Weekly international protein digest: Iowa destroys 1.3 million chickens following Pure Prairie Poultry chapter

1 November 2024

19 minute learn

Weekly USDA US beef, pork export gross sales

Beef: Internet gross sales of 13,900 MT for 2024 have been down 17 % from the earlier week and from the prior 4-week common. Will increase have been primarily for South Korea (4,900 MT, together with decreases of 300 MT), China (3,200 MT, together with decreases of 200 MT), Japan (2,500 MT, together with decreases of 200 MT), Taiwan (1,000 MT, together with decreases of 200 MT), and Mexico (700 MT, together with decreases of 100 MT). Internet gross sales of 5,700 MT for 2025 have been primarily for Japan (3,700 MT) and South Korea (1,800 MT). Exports of 15,700 MT have been down 2 % from the earlier week and three % from the prior 4-week common. The locations have been primarily to South Korea (4,800 MT), Japan (2,900 MT), China (2,400 MT), Mexico (1,600 MT), and Taiwan (1,200 MT).

Pork: Internet gross sales of 44,800 MT for 2024 have been up noticeably from the earlier week and up 16 % from the prior 4-week common. Will increase have been primarily for Mexico (17,700 MT, together with decreases of 200 MT), China (10,400 MT), Japan (4,800 MT, together with decreases of 200 MT), South Korea (3,800 MT, together with decreases of 500 MT), and Canada (2,900 MT, together with decreases of 700 MT). Internet gross sales of 200 MT for 2025 have been primarily for New Zealand. Exports of 32,300 MT have been up 1 % from the earlier week and 13 % from the prior 4-week common. The locations have been primarily to Mexico (11,400 MT), Japan (4,100 MT), China (3,600 MT), South Korea (2,900 MT), and Colombia (2,700 MT).

1st case of H5N1 (avian influenza) case in Oregon in swine 

The primary case of H5N1 hen flu in swine has been confirmed in an Oregon yard farm. USDA’s APHIS and Oregon state officers are investigating a yard farm the place H5N1 avian influenza was detected in poultry and, for the primary time, in one among 5 pigs. Regardless of no indicators of sickness, the swine examined optimistic, and all have been euthanized. Shared assets could have facilitated cross-species transmission. The farm has been quarantined, however USDA reassures there isn’t any threat to the U.S. pork provide, and genomic sequencing exhibits no elevated human transmissibility. The Nationwide Pork Producers Council emphasised that there aren’t any security considerations about U.S. pork provide, noting the pork business has labored with USDA’s APHIS since 2009 to watch for swine flu. “The complete pork business stays dedicated to safeguarding meals security and human and animal well being,” NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys stated in a press release. The pigs on the Oregon farm weren’t supposed for the industrial meals provide, USDA stated.

Of observe: Pigs symbolize a specific concern for the unfold of hen flu as a result of they will turn out to be co-infected with hen and human viruses, which may swap genes to type a brand new, extra harmful virus that may extra simply infect people.

The case was one issue that drove the USDA to broaden its hen flu surveillance to incorporate nationwide bulk milk testing, which the company introduced on Wednesday, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack informed Reuters in an interview. 

“Whereas it’s a special variation of the virus and it’s tied to wild birds, it’s a issue to ensure that we perceive and respect precisely the place the virus is in dairy” and in cattle, he stated.

The detection is a warning for pig farmers to be looking out for additional infections, stated Marie Culhane, a professor of veterinary inhabitants drugs on the College of Minnesota who has researched flu viruses in swine. 

“Folks want to begin rising their plans to cope with it if it ought to occur in one other herd and one other herd,” Culhane stated. “Pigs are simply actually good at choosing up influenza viruses.”

USDA expands HPAI testing in dairy to boost biosecurity

USDA’s APHIS is rolling out a tiered technique to gather milk samples for detecting H5N1 avian influenza. The plan goals to strengthen biosecurity, information containment efforts, and shield farm staff uncovered to contaminated animals. Bulk milk will initially be examined regionally, with additional farm-level sampling as crucial. USDA will collaborate with state and personal veterinarians, sustaining testing necessities for cattle earlier than interstate motion to curb virus unfold. Two vaccine candidates for dairy cows are additionally in discipline trials.

GOP lawmakers demand solutions from USDA on Pure Prairie Poultry chapter

Republican lawmakers have known as on USDA to supply explanations concerning the oversight of Pure Prairie Poultry, Inc., which filed for chapter shortly after receiving substantial USDA funding. The scenario has raised considerations in regards to the division’s administration of grants and loans, in addition to its influence on farmers and the poultry business.

Background. Pure Prairie Poultry, a Minnesota-based rooster firm, obtained $45.6 million in USDA funding in 2022 to broaden its processing plant in Charles Metropolis, Iowa. This funding included a $7 million grant from the Meat and Poultry Processing Growth Program and a $38.7 million mortgage from the Meals Provide Chain Assured Mortgage Program. Lower than two years after receiving the funding, Pure Prairie Poultry filed for chapter and closed its Charles Metropolis processing plant on Oct. 2, 2024. This closure had extreme penalties:

• Over one million birds needed to be culled in Iowa as a result of firm’s lack of ability to look after them.
• Contracted farmers in Wisconsin and Minnesota have been additionally affected.
• In line with the lawmakers’ letter, roughly 2 million chickens have been “left with out feed or any processing choice.”

Republican lawmakers from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and different states have expressed their considerations in a letter (hyperlink) to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) one of many signatories, acknowledged: “Our letter to USDA will assist us get solutions for our growers and deal with the federal authorities’s carelessness with taxpayer {dollars}.”

The letter requests explanations on a number of key factors:

•  The oversight course of for mortgage and grant ensures
•  USDA’s consciousness of Pure Prairie Poultry’s monetary scenario
•  Steps taken to help affected growers and state agriculture departments
•  Efforts to salvage the Charles Metropolis plant

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), one other signatory, emphasised the necessity for accountability: “USDA should clarify to Congress and the general public what went flawed to assist forestall a repeat state of affairs.”

A USDA spokesperson defended the division’s packages, stating that they’ve labored to “rebuild and create new markets for U.S. farmers” after challenges posed by commerce wars and the Covid-19 pandemic. The spokesperson additionally urged lawmakers to concentrate on passing the overdue farm invoice: “Somewhat than attempting to attain political factors, these members of Congress ought to work with USDA to reopen the power and go a brand new Farm Invoice, which is now two years late.”

The lawmakers have requested USDA reply to their questions by Nov. 8.

USDA confirms new avian influenza instances in poultry and cattle

USDA’s Animal and Plant Well being Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a industrial egg-laying flock of 146,000 birds in Clackamas County, Washington. Over the previous 30 days, 4 industrial and 5 yard flocks have been affected, totaling 3.63 million birds. Moreover, HPAI was reported in 134 dairy cattle herds in California and three herds in Idaho. Because the outbreak started, there have been 380 confirmed infections throughout 14 states.

Iowa destroys 1.3 million chickens following Pure Prairie Poultry chapter

The Iowa Division of Agriculture has euthanized roughly 1.3 million chickens that it had taken custody of following the chapter of Pure Prairie Poultry. This drastic motion got here after the state failed to search out consumers for the birds, largely attributable to collectors’ claims on the broilers. The scenario unfolded when Pure Prairie Poultry, an Iowa-based poultry processor, filed for Chapter 11 chapter in late September 2024. The corporate’s monetary collapse left 1.3 million broiler chickens throughout 14 Iowa farms with out correct care, as Pure Prairie may not afford to purchase feed for the birds. In response, the Iowa Division of Agriculture sought and obtained an emergency court docket order to take management of the chickens.

Initially, state officers tried to search out various options for the birds. Nonetheless, their efforts to find consumers have been unsuccessful, sophisticated by current collectors’ claims on the chickens. Confronted with no viable alternate options, the state requested and obtained permission from a district court docket decide to euthanize the birds.

The culling course of was just lately accomplished, affecting 13 farmers, primarily positioned in northwest Iowa’s Sioux County, who had been contracted to lift the chickens for Pure Prairie Poultry.

USDA warns of illegally imported meat in multi-state well being alert

USDA’s Meals Security and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a well being alert regarding meat and poultry merchandise illegally imported and bought in a number of U.S. states with out official inspection marks. The affected merchandise, present in Arizona, California, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, embrace gadgets corresponding to “BEST Beef Curry” and “Eain Chak Coconut Soup Paste.” Whereas no diseases have been reported, customers are urged to discard or return the merchandise. The investigation is ongoing as FSIS emphasizes the general public threat posed by uninspected imports.

Of observe: FSIS doesn’t confer with the merchandise as coming from Burma. Nonetheless, they do observe you can view the labels in Burmese.

Egg costs proceed to point out volatility

Eggs costs within the US in 2024 are projected to rise 8.8%, pushed by the continued influence of extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The 2025 egg worth enhance was revised even increased to 10.5%, a pointy bounce from the 4.7% forecast in September. USDA famous that HPAI outbreaks have considerably lowered the U.S. egg-layer flock, contributing to the value surge.

Whereas meals inflation has eased because the 2022 spike, customers are unlikely to see a lot reduction in 2025. Regardless of falling power prices and secure agricultural enter costs, the USDA warns that macroeconomic insurance policies and inflationary pressures on providers could proceed to have an effect on meals costs. Nonetheless, with time left within the 2025 forecast cycle, future changes are attainable.

CDC guidelines out human-to-human hen flu transmission, easing pandemic fears

The CDC has dominated out human-to-human transmission of the hen flu after a Missouri affected person contracted the virus with out recognized animal contact. Blood exams from 5 healthcare staff uncovered to the affected person returned unfavorable, assuaging considerations a few potential pandemic, in keeping with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDC’s Nationwide Middle for Immunization and Respiratory Ailments. The CDC has confirmed 31 human instances of the present hen flu pressure, with most linked to publicity to contaminated cattle or poultry. California, Colorado, and Washington are among the many affected states, with California experiencing fast unfold throughout 137 dairy herds. Nonetheless, the 2 poultry staff in Washington contracted a special flu pressure, probably linked to migrating birds. In response, USDA introduced two discipline trials for vaccines aimed toward defending cows from the virus, although the businesses behind the trials weren’t disclosed.

USDA releases report on US feedlot practices, highlights well being and antibiotic use.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Well being Inspection Service (APHIS) has revealed the primary findings from the 2021 examine of U.S. feedlots, carried out by the Nationwide Animal Well being Monitoring System (NAHMS). The report, based mostly on information from 22 states, gives insights into cattle administration practices, antibiotic use, and veterinary providers throughout the feedlot business.

Highlights from the report embrace:

•  Cattle origins: 54.7% of cattle positioned in feedlots got here instantly from recognized operations, corresponding to cow-calf or stocker amenities, whereas 38.2% have been bought from sale barns with unknown well being histories.
• Identification practices: 85.4% of feedlots used ear tags for particular person cattle identification, with 65.5% of cattle recognized both earlier than or upon arrival on the feedlot.
• Antibiotic and hormone claims: Most cattle (85.1%) have been positioned with out assembly particular antibiotic or hormone-free advertising and marketing claims. Solely 8.4% of cattle met restricted or no-antibiotic claims, and 10.2% met no-hormone claims.
• Antibiotic use by feedlot dimension: Smaller feedlots (65.4%) have been much less seemingly to make use of antibiotics in feed in comparison with medium, massive, and really massive operations, which reported utilization charges round 35-37%.
• Veterinary providers: In 2020, 85.1% of feedlots used veterinarians. Bigger operations have been extra more likely to search veterinary care, with 99.2% of very massive feedlots utilizing a veterinarian, in comparison with 81.2% of small feedlots.

The examine additionally discovered that 64.2% of feedlots felt adequately ready to handle the 2017 Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule adjustments, citing entry to assets and veterinary experience. This report affords an essential glimpse into the evolving practices of the US feedlot business.

FDA approves continued use of animal feed elements after MOU with AAFCO expires

FDA issued ultimate steerage permitting the continued use of animal feed elements that have been beforehand accredited beneath a now-defunct Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Affiliation of American Feed Management Officers (AAFCO). This MOU, in place since 2007, facilitated the collaboration between the FDA and AAFCO in reviewing and defining animal feed elements. Nonetheless, the MOU expired on Oct. 1 and won’t be renewed.

Key factors of the brand new steerage

• Continuation of ingredient use: The FDA has acknowledged that it doesn’t plan to provoke enforcement actions towards the usage of elements that have been outlined and listed within the 2024 AAFCO Official Publication (OP), even when they aren’t accredited as meals components or typically acknowledged as secure (GRAS). Because of this producers can proceed utilizing these elements so long as they adhere to the supposed use, specs, and limitations outlined within the AAFCO OP.
• New session course of: With the expiration of the MOU, the FDA has launched a brand new Animal Meals Ingredient Session (AFIC) course of. This interim course of permits companies to interact with the FDA concerning new ingredient evaluations that will have beforehand gone by means of AAFCO. The AFIC goals to supply a pathway for companies to seek the advice of with the FDA about new elements and entails public enter on security considerations.
• Public and business enter: The FDA is actively searching for feedback from business stakeholders on its pre-market animal meals overview processes, together with the Meals Additive Petition (FAP) and GRAS packages. These feedback will assist decide if adjustments are wanted to enhance these pathways.

  Of observe: Regardless of the tip of the MOU, the FDA plans to proceed working with AAFCO and state regulators to make sure animal meals security. The company will nonetheless take part in AAFCO committees and conferences.

Extremely pathogenic avian flu re-emerges in British Columbia poultry flocks

After an eight-month interval with none new instances, extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has re-emerged in Canadian industrial poultry flocks. The virus was confirmed on Oct. 21 at three farms positioned in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, particularly within the Abbotsford and Chilliwack areas.

The Canadian Meals Inspection Company (CFIA) has not disclosed the particular varieties of poultry affected or the variety of birds concerned in these outbreaks. Nonetheless, experiences point out that the affected farms embrace turkey, broiler, and egg operations.

This resurgence marks the primary occasion of HPAI in British Columbia’s poultry sector for 2024, with the final case within the province recorded on Dec. 25, 2023. Prior to those current detections, Canada had lifted all HPAI-related main management zones and motion restrictions earlier this month after assembly particular situations on beforehand contaminated premises.

The CFIA continues to emphasise the significance of sustaining strict biosecurity measures, particularly as the autumn migration of untamed birds is ongoing, which may contribute to the unfold of the virus.

Brazil to battle deforestation with new cattle-tracking system

Brazil is urgent forward with plans to trace its cattle herds because the world’s largest beef producer contends with worldwide stress to stop deforestation attributable to commodity manufacturing. The Brazilian authorities is working with the personal sector to launch an information platform that can permit meat packers to totally hint their provides beginning in 2027, Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro stated in an interview on the Bloomberg B20 occasion in Sao Paulo. That may permit Brazilian beef to be utterly traceable by 2032, he stated. Whereas firms together with JBS SA, Marfrig SA and Minerva SA say they’ve superior in monitoring direct suppliers, a government-backed program would permit a extra strong tracing of oblique suppliers as nicely.

Investigation reportedly uncovers animal cruelty at PQA Plus-certified farms

A current investigation by Mercy For Animals has revealed situations of animal cruelty at farms licensed beneath the Pork High quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) program. The investigation documented extreme mistreatment of pigs, together with animals affected by prolapses being kicked, piglets castrated with out ache reduction, and sows confined in gestation crates. These practices starkly contradict the humane requirements that the PQA Plus program is meant to uphold.

Mercy For Animals launched a white paper (hyperlink) detailing extra alleged violations, elevating considerations in regards to the effectiveness of the PQA Plus certification in guaranteeing humane remedy of pigs. Paula Tejeda-Moncrief, director of investigations for Mercy For Animals within the U.S., criticized this system, stating that advertising and marketing labels typically fail to mirror the fact of animal remedy on farms.

In response to the allegations, Jason Menke, a spokesperson for the Nationwide Pork Board, acknowledged that they’re reviewing the white paper. He emphasised that about 85% of U.S. pigs are raised on PQA Plus site-assessed farms and reassured customers in regards to the welfare requirements in place. Menke additionally talked about that the PQA Plus program is constantly up to date, with a brand new model set to be launched subsequent yr.

The PQA Plus program was established to enhance meals security and animal welfare in pork manufacturing. It entails coaching and certification for farmers and on-farm assessments carried out by licensed advisors.

Weekly USDA dairy report

CME GROUP CASH MARKETS (10/25) BUTTER: Grade AA closed at $2.6950. The weekly common for Grade AA is $2.6815 (+.0405). CHEESE: Barrels closed at $1.8700 and 40# blocks at $1.9000. The weekly common for barrels is $1.9085 (-$.0285) and blocks $1.9100 (-$.0120). NONFAT DRY MILK: Grade A closed at $1.3750. The weekly common for Grade A is $1.3685 (+$.0095). DRY WHEY: Further grade dry whey closed at $.6050. The weekly common for dry whey is $.6035 (+$.0065).

BUTTER HIGHLIGHTS: Within the East area, retail butter demand is regular to weaker as a big portion of retail orders have been fulfilled. Within the Central area, demand is regular to rising. Butter inventories are ample to satisfy seasonal wants. Home and export demand is regular within the West. Cream volumes are extensively obtainable throughout the nation. Loads of cream is shifting all through the areas with some processors preferring to promote the surplus cream, if attainable. Scheduled upkeep and sudden plant downtime are being seen in plant operations in all areas. Regardless of interruptions, butter churning paces are famous as robust throughout the nation and busier than is regular for this time of yr. Bulk butter overages vary from 1 to eight cents above market, throughout all areas.

CHEESE HIGHLIGHTS: Cheese manufacturing is blended all through the U.S. Within the East, cheesemakers observe regular manufacturing schedules. Regional milk availability isn’t ample to satisfy native processing wants, and a few contacts shared they’re bringing in a great deal of milk from milk handlers within the West. Cheesemakers within the Central area observe milk availability is regular. Spot milk volumes have been reported at $1.50 beneath Class III to $2.50 above Class III. That stated, plant managers proceed to relay some downtime for upkeep, and cheese manufacturing schedules are blended. Retail demand is powerful, and whereas buyer inquiries are rising, there may be minimal spot cheese availability. Within the West, cheese manufacturing ranges from regular to stronger. Class III milk availability is ample to satisfy regional processing wants. Contacts observe home cheese demand is regular.

FLUID MILK HIGHLIGHTS: Milk manufacturing traits range all through the nation. Farm degree milk manufacturing within the East is seasonally regular. Milk volumes, within the Central area, are slowly rising because the cooler temperatures deliver extra comfy situations for cows. Fluid output within the West is blended. California is seeing a lower in general numbers whereas the remaining states within the West report regular to rebounding fluid milk numbers. Demand for milk from Class I is powerful within the East and regular within the Central and West areas. The demand for milk from the remaining Courses is regular. Cheesemakers reported spot milk costs from $1.50-under to $2.50-over Class III. East plant managers report transportation obstacles proceed to hinder processing. Plant upkeep has slowed processing for all Courses within the East and Central areas, some scheduled and a few not scheduled. Spot a great deal of condensed skim are available. Cream is closely obtainable throughout the nation. Some butter vegetation have reported downtime this week, and cream cheese processing continues to be sluggish to choose up. Cream multiples for all Courses vary 1.17-1.30 within the East, 1.10-1.30 within the Midwest, and 1.08-1.27 within the West.

DRY PRODUCTS HIGHLIGHTS: Low/medium warmth nonfat dry milk (NDM) costs have been regular to barely increased. Contacts say condensed skim milk is offered for manufacturing in a lot of the nation however provides of just lately produced volumes vary from balanced to tight. Dry buttermilk costs held regular within the Central area, whereas shifting barely increased within the West. Close to-term dry buttermilk demand is predicted to choose up because the baking season shifts gears. Dry complete milk costs have been regular whereas spot milk availability has begun to develop considerably. Dry whey costs have been blended, regardless of agency market tones in most areas of the nation. California’s current milk output declines have given some contacts within the West concern concerning probably lighter Class III manufacturing schedules. Whey protein focus 34% costs continued their bullish run this week. Spot market availability is famous as very tight, as demand continues to develop. Lactose costs have been regular as inventories range from plant to plant. Acid and rennet casein costs have been static this week, as volumes are famous as obtainable.

INTERNATIONAL DAIRY MARKET NEWS

EUROPE: WEST EUROPE: Milk manufacturing is variable all through West Europe. Milk deliveries in Germany stay decrease than final yr’s ranges by 2.1 %. Milk deliveries in September within the Netherlands have been 2.6 % decrease than September 2023, however declines in milk deliveries have eased considerably from the yr over yr decline of three.9 % seen in August.

EAST EUROPE: Farm degree milk manufacturing stays variable throughout East Europe. In September, Polish milk deliveries have been 2.6 % above September 2023 ranges. 12 months thus far common day by day milk manufacturing is 2.9 % increased than the identical interval in 2023. Jap Europe is experiencing essential drought situations. Feed crops are affected by persistent drought situations. Drought situations are being alleviated in some pockets of East Europe as precipitation will increase seasonally.

OCEANIA: AUSTRALIA: A bunch representing dairy farmers in Victoria has acknowledged farmers impacted by drought want improved milk costs to cope with added prices. Costs for feed are excessive in drought affected areas in Australia attributable to lowered harvest yields this yr. A spokesperson for the group famous farmgate pricing has elevated up to now attributable to drought and acknowledged the next farmgate milk worth can be within the curiosity of processors, as increased enter prices have can contribute to extra farmers exiting the dairy business.

NEW ZEALAND: Milk manufacturing information from New Zealand for September 2024 was just lately launched. This information confirmed complete September 2024 manufacturing was up 4.1 % on a tonnage foundation in comparison with a yr earlier. Throughout September 2024, the entire kg of milk solids elevated by 5.2 % from the earlier yr. From the beginning of the manufacturing season in June 2024 by means of September 2024 milk manufacturing on a tonnage foundation is up by 5.6 % in comparison with the identical time interval a yr in the past, whereas milk strong manufacturing is up 6.5 % from final yr. Export information for September 2024 was just lately launched for New Zealand. This information confirmed a 15 % enhance in worth for milk powder, butter, and cheese exported in September 2024 in comparison with September 2023.

SOUTH AMERICA OVERVIEW: Argentinian and Uruguayan contacts proceed to say milk is beneath year-over-year ranges in these international locations. Relying on the world, decreases are famous from 5 to 10 % decrease when in comparison with this time in 2023. Brazilian milk output, which was rising considerably heartily throughout the spring flush of 2023, can be not on observe with final yr’s numbers. Climate is a catalyst within the milk output declines. Brazilian farmers should not solely contending with very dry fields; smoke from ongoing wildfires proceed to be reported within the largest nation within the area.

US NATIONAL RETAIL REPORT: Complete typical dairy ads elevated by 11 % whereas complete natural dairy adverts decreased by 26 %. Standard ice cream in 48-64-ounce containers was probably the most marketed dairy product, with a weighted common marketed worth of $4.05, up from $3.29 the week earlier than. Standard butter in one-pound packages had a weighted common marketed worth of $4.07, down from $4.35 the week prior.