Weekly Livestock-Equine News: March 31, 2025
Consumer meat sales are higher than ever
Consumer meat sales hit a record high in 2024 of $104.6 billion and pounds sold increased 2.3%, according to the 20th annual Power of Meat report released on March 24 at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association. The top three purchases for refrigerated meat include beef, chicken and pork, and the top three purchases for prepared meat include lunchmeat, bacon and sausage.
Pork producers ask Canada to exclude US pork from retaliatory tariffs
The National Pork Producers Council has urged the Canadian government to exempt pork from any retaliatory tariffs levied on U.S. products. The U.S. exported more than $850 million of pork to Canada in 2024, while the country sent $1.7 billion of pork to the United States. Additionally, Canada exported more than $560 million worth of live swine to the U.S. last year, primarily to U.S. finishing and slaughter facilities.
Minnesota dairy herd tests positive for avian flu
Minnesota animal health officials have confirmed bird flu in a central Minnesota dairy herd, the first new case in dairy cows since June 2024. The H5N1 virus appeared in samples collected from a Stearns County herd. The disease isn’t fatal for most dairy cattle, but can cause low appetite, decreased milk production and thickened or discolored milk. Dairy farmers are required to dispose of milk from sick animals.
UK study supports ultrasound for diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease
UK researchers hope results of a study will encourage greater interest in the use of thoracic ultrasound alongside established bovine respiratory disease scoring systems to help protect herd welfare. “Our research suggests that a significant proportion of calves born on UK dairy farms may remain undiagnosed when assessed by clinical signs only,” said lead author George Lindley.
Some states back off cage-free mandates during bird flu crisis
With a reduced egg supply due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, some states are hitting the pause button on their cage-free production mandates. They include Nevada, Michigan and Arizona. Cage-free laws are already in place in California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington and Oregon; Arizona, Colorado, Michigan and Utah requirements just took effect Jan. 1, 2025; and Rhode Island will enact its law on Jan. 1, 2026, according to the American Egg Board.
Tariffs are the horse industry’s ‘journey into the great unknown’
Tariffs may affect horses crossing borders for competition and breeding, says the American Horse Council, which advises that the industry regularly check in with trade authorities, ensure all health and customs documents are in order, and plan ahead to avoid delays and costs. “Despite AHC’s best efforts to inform members and stakeholders, it is crucial to acknowledge the rapid, sometimes hourly, changes in tariff information.”
