Protein News covers the production, processing, and distribution of protein-rich foods derived from animals, including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy. This section explores the entire supply chain, from farming practices and animal nutrition to processing methods and market trends. It also delves into sustainability, animal welfare, and innovations in protein sources, including alternative options like plant-based, insect, and lab-grown proteins. The Protein category is essential for understanding the role of all protein types in global nutrition, economic impacts, and evolving consumer preferences.
UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS — Omarsa’s farm acquisition team has been operating in overdrive over the past 18 months, according to CEO Sandro Coglitore, as Ecuador’s second-largest shrimp exporter ventures into the new frontier of open-air, low-salinity recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) farming […]
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Livestock and egg products production expenses ease
6 September 2024
2 minute read
US farm income will fall for a second consecutive year in 2024, but not as much as previously expected as prices of livestock and egg products boom and production expenses ease, Reuters reported, citing the US Department of Agriculture on Thursday.
Declining farm income could ripple across the rural economy in a presidential election year, as producers have become more cautious about making large asset purchases such as new machinery. Crop farmers are wrestling with corn and soybean prices hovering near four-year lows.
The estimated decline is less steep than the agency’s February forecast, which called for the largest recorded year-to-year drop in net US farm income in 2024 on rising farm expenses.
USDA now estimates this year’s net farm income, a broad measure of profitability in the agricultural economy, will hit $140 billion in 2024, down 4.4% or $6.5 billion from a year earlier.
Adjusted for inflation, net farm income in 2024 is forecast to drop by $10.2 billion, or 6.8%, from a year earlier.
In February, USDA forecast that net farm income would fall more than 25%, or nearly $40 billion, from a year earlier, a record year-over-year dollar drop.
USDA economists changed their estimates after gaining access to information unavailable for the previous forecast, such as the latest US farm census, said USDA Economic Research Service economist Carrie Litkowski, who leads the agency’s farm income team.
For example, fertilizer expenses are now expected to ease as crop farmers look to cut production costs. Meanwhile, cattle prices soared, dairy prices turned higher and the spread of avian influenza has led to supply constraints for eggs, Litkowski said.
In fact, cash receipts for egg sales this year are expected to jump about 35%, or $6 billion – the largest increase in the livestock and animal products group, USDA data shows.
“In February, we did not anticipate that egg prices were going to rise as much as they had,” Litkowski said.
Fresh Del Monte Product Inc. appointed Dr. Imad Farhat as senior vice president, Specialty Ingredients. Dr. Farhat will spearhead the company’s vision to develop groundbreaking ingredients, derived from both Fresh Del Monte’s portfolio and other agricultural products.
Dr. Farhat will focus on harnessing the power of nature to drive Fresh Del Monte’s long-term strategy in the ingredients industry. His focus will be on developing innovative, nature-derived ingredients that align with the company’s core mission of providing healthful products to consumers worldwide. By sourcing these products directly from nature, Fresh Del Monte continues its commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship between people, the products they consume, and the environment.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Farhat to Fresh Del Monte. His expertise is a critical addition as we deepen our commitment to sustainable practices that harness the full power of nature,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Fresh Del Monte. “We believe nature holds the blueprint for a harmonious and sustainable future, and Dr. Farhat’s innovative approach will be key in unlocking its boundless potential while also driving the development of value-added, higher-margin products that enhance consumer offerings.”
Dr. Farhat comes to Fresh Del Monte after nearly 20 years at dsm-firmenich, where he served as senior vice president, Taste for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, playing a defining role in key platforms for the company such as Sugar Reduction and Encapsulation. Prior to dsm-firmenich, he was an Associate Professor of Food Physical Chemistry at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. Dr Farhat has authored more than 70 scientific publications and has an extensive patent portfolio in areas of food science.
Red Lobster has received court approval of its Chapter 11 plan.
As part of the plan, RL Investor Holdings LLC will acquire the Red Lobster restaurant chain from the company. RL Investor Holdings LLC is an entity created by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC, alongside co-investors TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch. The acquisition is anticipated to close before the end of September 2024.
Upon completion of the acquisition, Damola Adamolekun will become the CEO of the Red Lobster restaurant chain, and Jonathan Tibus, who has served as the company’s CEO during the reorganization, will step down from the role and leave the company.
“This is a great day for Red Lobster,” said Adamolekun. “With our new backers, we have a comprehensive and long-term investment plan – including a commitment of more than $60 million in new funding – that will help to reinvigorate the iconic brand while keeping the best of its history. Red Lobster has a tremendous future, and I cannot wait to get started on our plan with the Company’s more than 30,000 team members across the USA and Canada. I want to thank Jonathan Tibus and his team for their stewardship, and look forward to welcoming them as frequent Red Lobster guests.”
Red Lobster will continue to operate as an independent company, with 544 locations across 44 U.S. states and four Canadian Provinces.
Tibus said, “I’m proud of what Red Lobster has achieved during this restructuring – the Company will emerge from Chapter 11 stronger financially and operationally, and with new backers who are resolutely focused on investment and growth. I’m incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from our team members and diners, and from so many of our landlords and vendors throughout this process. I’m looking forward to cheering on Red Lobster as an ardent fan in the years ahead.”
US cattle producers have stopped slashing their herds, Reuters reported, citing Tyson Foods chief financial officer on Thursday, after supplies dwindled due to dry weather that limited pasture land available for grazing.
The meatpacker is still not seeing signs that producers are starting to rebuild herds in a meaningful way, CFO Curt Calaway said on the webcast of a Barclays investor conference.
Consider supporting Jeremy and Johnny and the Farm Africa team as they raise money to support African farmers grow more, sell more and sell for more
6 September 2024
3 minute read
5m Books, the publisher of the recently released book, Six Inches of Soil, which supports the massively successful film is taking part in Farm Africa’s current fundraising challenge by entering two of its own into a 500 km London to Paris cycling challenge.
Jeremy Toynbee and Jonny Badley will be part of a larger Farm Africa team consisting of Gillian, Millie and CharloIe from vegetable grower Barfoots, Michelinstarred chef Paul Foster, and longstanding Farm Africa supporter, farmer Tim Jury.
Riding between 25 and 28 September, they will complete 500 km riding from the outskirts of London to the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the iconic finishing point of the Tour de France.
Both Jeremy and Jonny used to cycle a reasonable amount but are definitely rather rusty now. Following them as they try to get in shape in time should be quite amusing.
The team is supporting Farm Africa, a charity that reduces poverty in eastern Africa by helping farmers grow more, sell more and sell for more.
Today, over half of the world’s extreme poor live in sub-Saharan Africa. The vast majority work in agriculture.
Working in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Farm Africa is growing agriculture, protecting the environment and developing businesses in rural areas.
Here’s how a donation could help:
£5 could help to buy 10kg of forage seeds, so that farmers can grow food for their livestock.
£11 could provide training to one woman in high-quality coffee production in Uganda.
£16 could help to pay for a farmer to hire help to bring in his harvest.
£22 could help to establish a forest products enterprise.
£60 is enough to buy two local female goats for pastoralist women in Ethiopia.
£100 could help to provide two farmers with the means to start a beekeeping business, including a hive, beekeeping equipment and a bee colony.
Publishing Manager Alessandro Pasini said, “As a publisher of agriculture books we were delighted to throw Jonny and Jeremy under the bus to support this great cause when the idea came up in a meeting with the Farm Africa guys. 5m’s mission is to improve the health and happiness of the animals we farm and live with and to regenerate the world we farm and live in. SupporEng Farm Africa’s wonderful work with smallholder farmers unlocking the transformaEve potenEal of sustainable agriculture.”
Partnership Development Manager at Farm Africa, Louise Spearman, said: “We are incredibly grateful to 5m Books for taking on the London to Paris cycle ride in support of Farm Africa. Their dedication to our cause will make a significant impact, helping us provide farmers in eastern Africa with the tools and knowledge they need to build sustainable livelihoods. 100% of funds raised by 5m Books will go a long way in supporting communities to overcome challenges and secure a better future. We can’t thank them enough for their commitment and generosity!”
WASHINGTON— The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) confirmed on Sept. 4 plans to invest $17.6 million into agriculture research intended to protect the health and welfare of agricultural animals.
Some projects include high-priority research on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and African swine fever (ASF).
“Protecting the health and welfare of agricultural animals is integral to ensuring a safe, sustainable, resilient and ethically-sound food system,” said NIFA Director Manjit Misra, PhD. “Healthy livestock are more productive and less likely to harbor and spread diseases that can affect humans. In addition, properly managed livestock systems help maintain biodiversity and sustainable land use.”
The agency detailed $12.7 million for 27 projects funded through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) Diseases of Agricultural Animals program and $4.8 million for 10 projects funded through AFRI’s Welfare of Agricultural Animals program.
Some of the projects under the AFRI Diseases of Agricultural Animals program include:
University of Georgia researchers aim to develop mass vaccination strategies against a prevalent HPAI subtype. The potential benefits extend beyond avian influenza, paving the way for similar studies on other respiratory viruses affecting poultry and livestock.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) scientists will design and evaluate ASF-engineered vaccine antigens. This work will ultimately lead to developing a vaccine against ASF to aid in disease control and swine health.
University of Missouriresearchers plan to develop safer and more effective swine influenza vaccines, potentially reducing both animal and human influenza infections and blocking potential zoonotic transmission from swine to humans.
The AFRI Welfare of Agricultural Animals program works to assess animal agriculture production practices and/or the development of new or enhanced management approaches that protect animal welfare.
Some of the projects include:
Purdue University researchers will investigate the most effective indicator traits and breeding strategies to enhance heat tolerance in ducks. Scientists plan to develop guidelines that outline optimal management and breeding strategies to improve heat tolerance in poultry—offering a potential long-term solution to climate change impacts on poultry production globally.
University of Vermont scientists will investigate how early-life calf management affects long-term behavioral development, emotional states and physiological stress in dairy cattle. The results will benefit the dairy cattle industry by increasing longevity and improving animal welfare and care standards.
Research focused on vaccines for HPAI and ASF continues with the goals of mitigating the spread of the diseases among animals. ASF has never been reported in the United States. HPAI continues to circulate among poultry, dairy cattle and other animals around the country.
Greece’s Nereus Shipping, an affiliate of CM Lemos, has added three more tankers to its orderbook.
The Piraeus-based tanker and bulker outfit has revealed three suezmax newbuilds would be joining its fleet in 2027.
Splash understands the 158,600 dwt ships will be built at Japan Marine United, which marks the company’s return to Japan’s second largest shipbuilder after nearly eight years when four suezmaxes were booked for construction, including the 2019-built Homeric (pictured).
Nereus lists 14 ships in its fleet, of which 11 tankers. In July 2022, the company ordered its first LR2 tankers, which should deliver from Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding in 2025.
Despite regional areas being vastly less populated than urban centres, fatalities on rural and regional roads account for about two-thirds of the road toll every year, with 811 lives lost in 2023.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said as the nation’s heavy vehicle safety regulator, it was distressing to still see too many deaths on Australian roads each year – including incidents involving trucks and buses.
“Losing a friend, family or loved one in a road accident is always a tragedy, and – particularly in rural and regional communities – can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on local communities,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“We know in our experience at the NHVR that travelling on rural and regional roads comes with unique challenges and risks – speed limits are greater, roads may be unsealed and there can be more environmental challenges such as animals or visual obstructions.
“It is why we want to use Rural Road Safety Month to implore all road users to ensure they are taking extra caution when getting behind the wheel, including being well-rested and ready to drive.”
Of the 92 lives lost in collisions involving heavy vehicles from January to July this year, 60 were in regional, rural or remote areas.
The rate of serious road-related injury in rural areas is also nearly twice as high compared to major cities.
Mr Petroccitto said it was crucial road users remember large heavy vehicles have added blind spots, and take longer to slow down.
“Trucks play an important role in keeping Australia moving, so we want to remind light vehicle drivers what they can do to help keep our roads safe – particularly on those rural highways where they are more likely to encounter large trucks,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“It is important to always maintain a safe following distance, only overtake when it is safe to do so, and give heavy vehicles extra space.
“Sadly, collisions involving a heavy vehicle – because of their size and weight – are much more likely to have devastating outcomes for those involved.
“It is why at the NHVR we are so passionate about playing our part to drive down the road toll and ensure all motorists – including our nation’s truckies – are getting home safe.”
Firefighters succeeded on Wednesday in reducing the extent of a massive wildfire that blazed for two days and destroyed 20% of a forest in the Brazilian capital, cloaking the city in clouds of gray-white smoke, Reuters reported, citing officials who suspect that it may have been started by arsonists.
The National Forest of Brasilia is a conservation area that extends over 5,600 hectares of woodland that protects the springs that are the source of 70% of the city’s freshwater.
The fire broke out at the peak of the dry season when vegetation is parched and temperatures high allowing flames to spread fast.
“We have put out three of the four blazes and we hope to have the fire under control by the end of the day,” said Fabio dos Santos Miranda, who manages the forest.
“We are sure this was an environmental crime, but we haven’t confirmed if it was intentional or not,” he said in an interview, adding that three suspected arsonists were seen in the area where the fire started.
Firefighters struggled to contain the forest fire and stop it spreading to adjacent orchards where farmers grow tomatoes and flowers.
“We are working to protect the orchards, but the wind is blowing the fire towards them and the sparks fly a long way.” said fireman Major Godoy.
Emilia Vasconcellos, who raises cattle and chickens on a farm at risk of being caught in the blaze, said she thought people had set off the fire to clear land for themselves, but she had no evidence.
The forest was cut in size by almost half in 2022 to give way to urban development by the government of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro, who reduced environmental controls and allowed deforestation to surge in the Amazon rainforest.
A record drought in the Amazon increased fires in the rainforest for the month of August to the highest level since 2010, government data showed on Sunday.
Last year’s rains came late and were weaker than usual because a weather pattern, known as El Nino, was supercharged by climate change, leaving the rainforest especially vulnerable to this year’s fires.
