Weekly Livestock-Equine News: October 14, 2024
McDonald’s sues beef producers in price-fixing lawsuits
McDonald’s has sued JBS, Tyson Foods, Cargill and National Beef Packing for allegedly conspiring since 2015 to limit beef supplies, boosting their profits and causing McDonald’s to pay artificially higher prices.
Federal judge denies petition for more strict regulation of livestock operations
A federal judge in San Francisco rejected a petition from environmental activists for more strict regulation of large livestock operations. The lawsuit, filed and led by Food & Water Watch, challenged the EPA’s decision last year to deny a petition that would have required all farms to obtain permits to operate their concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) unless they could prove they’re not a source of pollution.
Pork supply expectations for 2025
Pork futures have rallied the last two weeks as market participants now expect Q4 production to be less than previously thought. The USDA ‘Hogs and Pigs’ survey had suggested Sep-Nov slaughter could be up as much as 4% y/y. Instead slaughter since Sept. 1 has been almost unchanged.
USDA takes steps to promote competition in American agriculture
The USDA issued an interim report assessing competitive conditions in the meat retail industry, citing increasing market concentration among top packers, distributors, and retailers. The agency also proposed to enhance price discovery and fairness in cattle markets by improving the base prices in fed cattle purchasing agreements and addressing concerns about the negative effects of Alternative Marketing Agreements (AMAs) on the spot market.
Vetlen introduces delivery device for antibiotic therapy
Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices, Reno, Nevada, introduced Vetlen Pouch, a drug delivery device for use on horses and dogs to help veterinary professionals manage difficult-to-treat open fracture-related infections that are complicated by biofilms. The device features a syringe-based replenishing system.
Beef producers optimistic about future
Fifty-nine percent of beef producers plan to add a family member to the operation in the next five years, according to the 2024 Drovers State of the Beef Industry survey. That number was 54% in 2023. Fifty-one percent said they will grow herd size in the next five years, 38% plan to maintain herd size, 7% will reduce herd numbers and 4% aren’t sure.
