Perception of healthy eating shifts
Consumer attitude toward healthy eating has changed, according to a new trend report from market research firm Technomic. While more consumers prize proper nutrition, their perception of what is healthy has shifted toward products labeled: local, natural, organic or sustainable. "More consumers than ever before tell us that eating healthy and paying attention to nutrition is important," said Darren Tristano, vice president of Technomic.
Secretary Vilsack highlights USDA achievements
In a series of January 3rd postings on the USDA website (www.usda.gov) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack outlined achievements of his Department and the Administration during the first term of […]
Three New Year’s resolutions to reduce feed cost
If this new year is anything like the previous one, and there is no indication it will be any better, most pig and poultry producers will continue to face the […]
Canada: Salmonella in 13% of feed despite zero tolerance
Higher corn prices hit stores, chicken farms
On November 11, the Desert Condor steamed into the port of Brunswick and unloaded 40,000 tons of Brazilian corn – the first time corn has ever been imported into Georgia.
China shuts poultry farms over use of excessive antibiotics
China’s agriculture authority today shut down poultry farms in an east province where the chickens were reported to have been given excessive amounts of antibiotics.
Last week, Chinese media reported that some poultry farmers in Shandong Province had given their chickens excessive amounts of antibiotics, including amantadine and ribavirin, to help them survive in overcrowded chicken farms, triggering nationwide concern about food safety.
State ban on arsenic in poultry feed takes effect
Maryland’s ban on the use and sale of poultry feed containing roxarsone or any other additive that contains arsenic went into effect this week.
Last year, Maryland became the first state to pass a bill banning use of the additive.
Two CPF leaders step down from the board of directors
Two of California poultry’s most dynamic and inspirational leaders recently have withdrawn from the California Poultry Federation (CPF) board of directors after many years of commendable service. Because of their hard work and dedication to CPF and its mission, they have left behind an organization that is successful, engaged and results oriented.
Maryland judge rules against environmental activists in Waterkeeper trial
The U.S. District Court of Maryland this morning found in favor of Perdue Farms’ grower Hudson Farms in a case filed against them by Waterkeeper Alliance Inc.
National Chicken Council President Mike Brown released the following statement in response to today’s ruling: "Governor O’Malley said it best – that this unfair attack on a family farm represented an ‘ongoing injustice.’
Safeway surpasses cage-free egg goals
On Dec. 18, Safeway Inc. said it became the first major grocery retailer in the United States to make a national commitment to Certified Humane cage-free eggs and surpassing its sourcing and sales goals for cage-free eggs in the process.
Safeway launched an initiative with existing suppliers in 2008 to have all Lucerne Cage-Free and O Organics shell eggs sourced from Certified Humane farms. Then in 2010, Safeway set a goal of increasing sales of cage-free eggs from 6 percent to 12 percent of the shell-egg category by 2012. At present, more than 15 percent of overall egg sales in the category are cage-free eggs. The company also added the Open Nature label to the Certified Humane program this year. Safeway plans to continue to expand the campaign as their customers respond to the initiative. Read More