In The News This Month – January 2023

 

Editorial

 

The holidays are over, and a new year is upon us. New opportunities, new experiences, a chance to make new resolutions, leave the old behind and start fresh. But, how much of 2022 are we bringing into 2023? Unfortunately, we are still going to hear about HPAI this year. Just in January new cases of HPAI were confirmed in Virginia and Iowa. Although vaccination is part of the long-term solution, it is still 2 – 3 years away for the U.S., if ever. This is mostly due to the fact that a large portion of U.S. poultry production is exported each year and our trading partners may not accept vaccination.

News about cage-free issues will still resonate throughout the year. Will producers and retail stores meet the deadlines and commitments set forth, or will we keep hearing about delays? The debate about cage-free environments will continue, but we also see some positives that have come from this transition. Recently, producers have seen a need to better understand how an aviary environment impacts layer performance. A recent article published from Watt Poultry featured a new RFID technology that will help track cage-free layer movement. This new technology could aid egg producers in tracking bird movement to study patterns and evaluate production aspects.

A new experience that I was able to participate in this month was attending IPPE in Atlanta, Georgia. With about 28,000 attendees and over 1,100 exhibitors, it is not an experience I will soon forget. If I could give any advice for first-timers it would be to wear comfortable shoes! The exhibit space is about 533,000 square feet, and that does not include walking to and from the Congress center. I understand that prior years were not as attended due to the Covid outbreak, but this year was a success, plus I heard rumblings of 2024 being even bigger.

It was refreshing to see some fundraising happening throughout the exhibit floor. This year, through its “Giving Back to Atlanta” campaign, IPPE raised $30,000 for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Items for a silent auction were scattered throughout the exhibit floor and provided attendees a perfect way to view and bid on some interesting stuff. If I had one word to describe the whole experience it would be fascinating. It was fascinating to see all of the innovation in robotics and technology, fascinating to see how many moving parts are needed for the industry to operate, and fascinating that with so many people and companies represented, it is still a tight knit industry that helps to “feed the world.” IPPE is a great way to kick off a new year, a chance to see what’s new in the industry, and an opportunity to meet with customers, partners, and friends in a city that is definitely worth visiting!

 

 

Monica Lizar

Account Manager

Aeros, a Cultura Company

 

Feed and Grains:

 

 

What is the future of insects in poultry, animal feed?

Insect protein’s impact on the environment:  While developing insect protein as a viable animal feed ingredient, researchers have also prioritized its impact on the environment, especially compared to traditional ingredients. 

Using insect protein saves 92% of emissions per ton of protein compared to soy, according to Unger, and 70% of emissions saved compared to composting. 

The future of the insect protein industry: The insect protein industry is expected to grow 5000% by 2030, and Unger anticipates a decentralization and segmentation of the industry with various competing producers. 

Read full article here

 

Friday’s session leaves grain prices mixed

Grain prices were mixed on Friday as traders went in search of fresh supply and demand clues. Corn prices faced a choppy session, finishing with modest gains. Soybeans slid 0.75% lower as much-needed rains return to Argentina. Wheat prices were mixed but mostly higher after some uneven technical maneuvering today.

Plenty of wet weather is on its way to the Mid-South and Southeast between Saturday and Tuesday, and much of the Midwest and Plains will see at least some measurable rain and/or snow during this time, per the latest 72-hour cumulative precipitation map from NOAA. The agency’s new 8-to-14-day outlook predicts more seasonally wet weather in store for the central U.S. between February 3 and February 9. Cooler-than-normal conditions are also likely during the first week of February.

Read full article here

 

Eggs:

 

HPAI vaccination in US at least 2-3 years away, if ever

Julian Madeley, CEO, International Egg Commission (IEC), told the audience at the United Egg Producers’ Committee Briefings in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 24, 2023, that the IEC believes that vaccination is part of the long-term solution in the fight against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). He explained that it is up to each country to decide if and when it is appropriate for them to implement vaccination.

Madeley said that the three key issues that need to be addressed regarding vaccination for HPAI are development of new vaccines and programs for administering them, development of effective surveillance programs, and an agreement on the impact of vaccination on trade.

HPAI vaccines are currently being tested in France, Italy, Hungary and the Netherlands, according to Greg Hinton, VP of sales for Rose Acre Farms, and IEC chairman.

Madeley said that in January 2023, France approved use of HPAI vaccination beginning in September of 2023. He also said legislation has been introduced to allow HPAI vaccinations across the EU, individual countries would still need to make a decision on whether to allow vaccination.

Read full article here

 

Egg Week

USDA Weekly Egg Price and Inventory Report, February 2nd 2023.

 

Market Overview

• The average wholesale unit revenue values for Midwest Extra-large and Large sizes were lower this week by 7.3 percent on average, continuing the downward move for the fifth consecutive week. Mediums were down 2.0 percent indicating an imbalance between supply and demand in this size with many pullets commencing production. This past week shell egg inventory was up 0.6 percent despite lower prices. Both retail price and demand will continue to erode as in previous years and as flock numbers are restored prices will moderate. For early 2023 retail purchases will be supported by consumer perceptions of value in an inflationary environment with concern over the high cost for other protein foods. Availability and hence prices are influenced by depletion of close to 44 million hens in 22 large complexes in eleven states extending from the last week in February through mid-December 2022 with the producing flock down on average by 20 million hens compared with pre-HPAI.
• Total industry inventory was down 1.5 percent overall this past week to 1.59 million cases with a concurrent 9.6 percent decrease in breaking stock attributed to higher food service and industrial demand. Wholesale unit prices during 2022 into 2023 contrasted favorably with 2020 and 2021 characterized by low ex-plant unit revenue.

 

Poultry:

 

Global poultry outlook, consumer trends highlighted at market forum

There have been many changes for the poultry industry in the last couple of years that have had great impact, including avian influenza outbreak and the war in Ukraine, Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior global specialist animal protein with Rabobank, told the audience during his “Global Poultry Market Outlook 2023” presentation at the Poultry Market Intelligence Forum. The meeting, sponsored by USPOULTRY, was held at the recent 2023 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).

Mulder noted that for the general market outlook for 2023, the focus will shift to the operational side. He remarked that poultry and eggs are the winning protein, and consumers are trading down from meat. He also discussed major supply challenges for 2023, such as input costs, distribution, labor and avian influenza.

Read full article here 

 

Poultry house robot could optimize production efficiency

Robotic technology that runs on an overhead track in the poultry house helps gather data about the environment and animal welfare, which can be used to improve poultry performance.

“The animal welfare built into this technology allows us to document by creating an animal welfare score that we can provide to our customers to say ‘hey, this is what we’re doing every day, day in and out,” Scott Becker, Cumberland, shared during a TECHTalk at the 2023 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) on January 25.

The technology incorporates artificial intelligence and cameras to maximize efficiency in production and provide continuous monitoring and surveillance, detect what farmers can’t, identify potential issues early and gather information for more informed decisions.

Sensors on the robot regularly measure temperature, carbon dioxide, air speed, ammonia, relative humidity (RH), light intensity, audio levels and other factors in the environment.

Read full article here 

 

Taco Bell’s queso-flavored chicken wings have returned

As part of Taco Bell’s move to offer more chicken, the fast-food chain has brought back one of its fan favorites: the queso-flavored chicken wings. 

For $6.99, the bone-in wings are coated in queso seasoning and served with spicy ranch sauce. 

Customers can also order the wings as part of the Ultimate GameDay Box which also comes with Mexican Pizza and crunchy tacos, according to Thrillist. 

Fun facts

Taco Bell was the first fast food chain to hire women as managers.  Taco Bell was originally called Taco Tia when it was founded in 1962 and, alongside tacos, it served hamburgers, hotdogs and milkshakes.  The first Taco Bell location had a mariachi band.

 

Read full article here

 

Turkey:

 

Godshall’s introduces uncured Canadian turkey bacon

Godshall’s is debuting its latest bacon innovation, All-Natural Uncured Canadian Turkey Bacon, at Sam’s Club locations nationwide.

“To date, Canadian Turkey Bacon has been a niche subcategory, with only Godshall’s and one other company producing it,” said Francis Yupangco, Godshall’s executive director of marketing. “The launch into Sam’s Club will be the first time that Canadian Turkey Bacon is available nationwide. With Godshall’s being the third largest turkey bacon brand in America, we anticipate that this new product will become an instant hit with consumers looking for a delicious and hearty bacon alternative.”

Read full article here

 

Pork:

 

U.S. pork exports build momentum; beef export value sets annual record

November exports of U.S. pork were the largest of 2022 in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. November beef exports were below the large year-ago totals, but 2022 export value already set a full-year record of nearly $11 billion.

Pork exports reached 245,663 metric tons in November, up 3% from a year ago, while export value climbed 10% to $725.1 million. In both volume and value, exports were the highest since May 2021. For January through November, pork exports were 10% below the previous year at 2.43 million mt, valued at just under $7 billion (down 7%).

Pork exports to Mexico and the Dominican Republic were record-large in November, with shipments to Mexico topping $200 million for the second consecutive month. Exports also trended higher year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, South Korea and the Philippines. November results were also bolstered by excellent growth in pork variety meat exports, which were up more than 25% year-over-year. 

Read full article here

 

The National Pork Board funds research on sustainable pork production

The National Pork Board (NPB) recently formed a partnership with the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) Center at the University of California, Davis. NPB is donating $600,000 to the CLEAR Center’s sustainability in animal agriculture research.

“Working with the National Pork Board aligns with our land grant mission to research and share work through extension and outreach that is of value to society,” said Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis professor and director of CLEAR. “The center’s partnership with the swine sector highlights the trust producers have in us to find solutions that benefit our environment while helping to ensure high-quality food is produced.”

With NPB’s funding, the CLEAR Center will research pork sustainability practices that can provide a foundation for future environmental initiatives in pork production.

Read full article here

 

Beef:

 

 

Grazing growth – Grass Fed Foods

Jeff Tripician’s next chapter in the meat industry will be his last. That’s why he wants to make it count.

The announced merger of two grass-fed beef leaders in November that brought together SunFed Ranch and Teton Waters Ranch (TWR), to form Grass Fed Foods (GFF), signaled the formation of one of the largest grass-fed beef entities in the country. The deal, which stakeholders described as a “stock swap,” with no cash changing hands was painstakingly negotiated by Boulder, Colo.-based Sunrise Strategic Partners (SSP), a growth equity firm and the lead investor in Teton Waters Ranch since its founding in 2016 (resulting from its partnership with Trilantic Capital Management L.P.) and SunFed Ranch. Grass Fed Foods was a valuable concept to make a reality as the company pushes to get more non-traditional beef onto the plates of more American consumers.

“The time is right for grass-fed beef with consumer interest in organic, sustainable and regenerative foods at an all-time high,” said Jeff Tripician, a beef-industry veteran who was appointed chief executive officer of Teton Waters Ranch this past May. “Trip” will now serve as president and CEO of the new, combined company.

Read full article here

 

Feeding system for beef cattle improves feed efficiency and carcass yield while reducing methane gas emissions and wet waste.

Farmers Business Network (FBN), the global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network, announced FBN Livestock has partnered with Boveta Nutrition​​ to deliver a proprietary feeding system for beef cattle that improves feed efficiency and carcass yield while reducing methane gas emissions and wet waste.

“With our optimized feeding algorithms, producers get more planned beef production from less feed, meaning a reduction in costs and an increase in profit potential,” said Rod Jones, co-founder and chairman of Boveta Nutrition. “In addition, beef cattle that follow the Boveta diet see a reduction in methane gas production.”

Boveta Nutrition’s optimized feed formulation ensures nutrients are being delivered more precisely so cattle consume less feed yet maintain, or even increase, their gain or milk production.

Read full article here

 

Dairy:

 

USDA announces additional dairy assistance

Two new investments announced by USDA will allocate close to $200 million for dairy producer assistance. Nearly $100 million will come in the form of payments from the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program. An additional $100 million will come from the newly created Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program. Both programs are intended to support small and medium-sized dairy operations that face post-pandemic challenges. USDA Under Secretary for Marking and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffit says it’s part of the Biden-Harris administration’s continuing commitment to fill gaps in pandemic assistance for producers.

This will be the second round of PMVAP payments. The $350 million program assists producers who received a lower value due to the pandemic and related federal policies. Eligible recipients include dairy farmers with fluid milk sales of five million to nine million pounds between July and Dec. 2020. These producers were not eligible for the first round of PMVAP payments, which were only allocated to those producing up to five million pounds.

Read full article here

 

U.S. calls for new panel to resolve Canadian TRQ dispute

 American officials insist Canada is violating USMCA. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the United States is establishing a dispute settlement panel under the terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. The move is the latest response to Canada’s dairy Tariff Rate Quota policies, which U.S. officials maintain unfairly undermine market access for American dairy producers.

This is the second time the U. S. has called for a panel over this issue. In Dec. 2021, the first dispute panel ruled in favor to the United States’ position, prompting Canada to revise is TRQ measures. Those changes were not enough to satisfy American officials, who requested additional consolations with their Canadian counterparts in May 2022.

The U.S. made a second request for additional consultations in Dec. 2022. However, after meeting on Jan. 17, the two sides still could not come to a resolution.

Read full article here

 

Miscellaneous:

2023 IPPE Has Successful Show

The 2023 IPPE has been a successful trade show with strong crowds, busy exhibitors and great energy evident throughout the trade show floor. This year, IPPE has approximately 28,000 attendees, 533,000 square feet of exhibit space and 1,180-plus exhibitors. Attendee numbers will be released after the registration database has been audited for duplications. Sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, American Feed Industry Association and the North American Meat Institute, IPPE is the world’s largest annual poultry and egg, meat and animal food industry event of its kind.

“We are really pleased with the enthusiasm displayed by this year’s attendees and exhibitors and their excitement in connecting with their colleagues from around the world. The attendee and exhibitor numbers and trade show floor continue to complement IPPE’s unparalleled education sessions, invaluable networking opportunities and extensive exhibits highlighting the latest innovative technology, equipment, and services for our industries,” remarked the three organizations.

Read full article here

 

RFID technology could help track cage-free layer movement

Layer movement can be tracked in cage-free environments through radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, according to a research study conducted by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).

The U.S. cage-free transition has driven the need for a better understanding of how an aviary environment impacts layer hen performance and welfare. Technology, such as an RFID system, could aid egg producers in tracking cage-free bird movement and help evaluate these production aspects.

To gain insight into the technology’s capabilities, Dr. Denise Heard, USPOULTRY Vice President of Research Programs, led a research project targeted at developing an RFID-based tracking system that could locate layer hens in a multi-tier cage-free system.

Read full article here

 

 

 

The information in this newsletter is intended to update our readers of current events.  Any third-party publications are presented for informational purposes only and the views presented in such publications are those of the respective authors.  The views therein are not necessarily representative of Aeros or any other CULTURA company’s views on any particular topic.