Livestock analyst Jim Wyckoff provides insights on global protein news, covering a wide range of topics that impact the livestock industry. His expertise and analysis are crucial for industry stakeholders to stay informed and make strategic decisions.
In a recent update, the USDA expanded its testing efforts for H5N1 in dairy products, with 15 additional states joining the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS). This initiative now covers 28 states, representing nearly 65% of U.S. milk production. States like Alabama, Arizona, Iowa, and Virginia are among the new additions to the program. The USDA’s surveillance efforts have been extensive, with over 110,000 samples tested from various sources, including milk from multiple herds and samples from wild and domestic animals.
The USDA has also implemented stricter import restrictions on livestock due to the presence of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Central America. With a confirmed case in Belize in late 2024, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) suspended livestock imports from the country. This is part of a broader regional response to the resurgence of NWS, which has affected several Central American nations since 2023. The impact of NWS on livestock and wildlife is significant, and measures are being taken to prevent its reintroduction in the U.S.
The livestock industry in Brazil is experiencing significant growth, with a 30.4% increase in beef exports in 2024. The National Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA) reports that the sector generated R$13 billion in revenue last year, with plans to further expand into Asian markets such as Japan, Vietnam, Turkey, and South Korea. These markets represent a substantial portion of global beef consumption, making them key targets for Brazil’s beef industry.
The presence of NWS poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife, as the larvae infest open wounds and feed on living tissue. Strict biosecurity measures are being implemented to prevent the spread of NWS and protect the livestock industry from further damage. Stakeholders are being educated on detection and prevention strategies to mitigate the risks associated with this pest.
In summary, Jim Wyckoff’s reports on global protein news provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the livestock industry. From expanding testing efforts for diseases like H5N1 to addressing the threat of NWS in Central America, these updates are essential for industry professionals to stay informed and make informed decisions. The growth of Brazil’s beef market also presents exciting opportunities for the industry, with a focus on expanding into key international markets. Key trade agreements with these countries are in advanced stages, though some hurdles remain, particularly with South Korea.
Internationally, Brazil’s beef industry is poised for growth with key trade agreements in advanced stages. Domestically, the industry is set to benefit from newly enacted tax reforms, exempting beef from taxes under Brazil’s staple food basket program. This reform aligns with President Lula’s campaign promise to lower beef prices, ensuring greater accessibility for Brazilian consumers who account for 75% of the country’s beef consumption.
With robust infrastructure, favorable livestock cycles, and strategic reforms, Brazil’s beef market is forecasted to achieve a 6.2% growth in 2025, reaching R$453.3 billion ($74.62 billion) in production.
In a concerning development, the first US death from bird flu has been reported in Louisiana. The individual, over 65 with underlying health conditions, contracted the virus after exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds. Health experts emphasize that the risk of person-to-person transmission remains low, but caution against contact with sick animals and wild birds. The CDC has noted mutations in the virus samples from the patient, raising concerns about its potential to adapt for human transmission.
The outbreak, which has also impacted wild birds and livestock, continues to pose public health challenges, especially during the current severe flu season. Experts warn of heightened risks if individuals contract both bird flu and seasonal flu simultaneously. While bird flu vaccines for humans are not yet available to the public, they are being stockpiled as a precaution. The US government has requested the production of 4.8 million doses by CSL Seqirus, adding to an existing stockpile. However, experts caution that a new vaccine may be needed if the virus mutates to spread between humans.
In response to the bird flu crisis, US egg prices have skyrocketed, setting new records. Midwest egg prices hit $6.07 per dozen, driven by avian flu outbreaks and holiday demand. The tightening supply has led to soaring prices and reports of shortages, prompting some stores to limit purchases. The bird flu response may face further challenges under a second Trump administration.
In China, the Ministry of Commerce Trade Remedy Investigation Bureau has announced a safeguard investigation on global beef imports following a petition by the China Animal Agriculture Association and provincial associations. The investigation covers specific beef products valued at $14.2 billion in 2023. Interested parties have 20 days to register or comment on the investigation.
On the dairy front, the weekly USDA dairy report highlights market trends for butter, cheese, nonfat dry milk, and dry whey. Cream volumes have remained abundant into the New Year, benefiting butter processors. Cheese production has been affected by lighter schedules due to end-of-year holidays, with milk available for production across the country.
Overall, the global beef and dairy industries are navigating challenges posed by trade agreements, disease outbreaks, and market fluctuations. While opportunities for growth exist, stakeholders must remain vigilant in addressing public health concerns and market dynamics to ensure sustainable and resilient industries. The dairy market in the United States is experiencing various trends and fluctuations in supply and demand across different regions. In the East, there is a strong retail demand for cheese, but food service sales are mixed. Meanwhile, in the West, domestic demand for cheese is strong, but export interest is lighter. Spot loads of cheese are available for purchase in the East, but inventories are tight. In the West, some varieties of cheese are readily available for spot purchasing, while others are harder to come by. The Central region experienced mixed cheese demand during the end-of-year holidays.
In terms of fluid milk, dairy cows continue to produce steadily across the country. Farm-level milk production is steady to improving, with the East and Central regions reporting steady volumes and the West seeing volume improvements. Class I demand slowed in December due to school breaks, but processors anticipate an increase in demand soon, especially in the West. Class III processor demand remains steady in the East and Central regions. Cream availability is increasing nationwide, with spot cream available in all regions. Cream multiples vary across regions, with the East ranging from 0.75-1.20, the Midwest from 0.70-1.20, and the West from 0.70-1.20. Additionally, spot loads of condensed skim are accessible, although demand is light.
In the dry products market, the holiday week brought quiet markets with some price changes in certain commodities. Nonfat dry milk prices remained stable, while dry buttermilk prices increased in the Central and East regions. Dry whole milk prices also moved higher, with availability tightening despite generally available spot volumes. Dry whey prices increased in the East and remained steady in the Central and West regions. Whey protein concentrate 34% prices are rising, pulling solids away from whey protein concentrate 34%. Lactose prices are steady to lower due to slower trading activity, while rennet and acid casein prices remained unchanged.
Internationally, in Europe, milk prices in 2024 were lower than in 2023 in 16 EU countries, with the sharpest declines seen in Finland, Portugal, and Spain. Critical drought conditions persist in the Balkans, the Black Sea regions, and pockets of western Russia. In the United States, the Department of Agriculture issued a new Federal Order requiring the collection and testing of unpasteurized milk samples for comprehensive H5N1 surveillance.
In the national retail report, the total number of conventional dairy ads increased in the first retail ad survey of 2025, with cheese being the most advertised commodity. Organic ads also increased, with milk being the most advertised organic commodity. The number of ads for yogurt, both conventional and organic, increased, while ads for conventional ice cream grew, but there were no ads for organic ice cream.
Overall, the dairy market in the United States is experiencing a mix of supply and demand dynamics across different regions, influenced by seasonal factors, consumer preferences, and international trends. Stakeholders in the industry are closely monitoring these developments to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.