Thursday June 04 Ag News - New World Screwworm Confirmed in Texas - SGM Emergence in Landcaster County - PVC Summer Tour - New Wheat, Triticale Varieties Developed in NE - and more!

USDA Confirms Presence of New World Screwworm in the United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock and economic losses. 

The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. To date, there have been no further detections.

“All models showed New World Screwworm entering the country in 2025; however, thanks to the hard work across the entire Trump administration and our industry, state, and local partners, we were able to buy time for this moment. Protecting our livestock industry is a national security issue of the utmost importance, and USDA is wasting no time in taking action,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “USDA invested heavily in the tools needed to eliminate NWS ever since cases started increasing in Central America and Mexico. The United States has defeated this pest before, and we will do it again.”

USDA and Texas officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the United States, following the strategies and actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook. This includes: 
    Forming a unified Incident Command Team with the Texas Animal Health Commission and deploying response personnel to the area;
    Establishing a 20 km infested zone around the detection and implementing quarantines, movement controls, and surveillance in this area;
    Expediting targeted release of sterile NWS flies by immediately deploying ground release chambers in the area, in addition to the 4 million sterile flies per week already being released aerially in the area; 
    Increasing trapping for NWS flies along the border and just outside of the dispersal area;
    Implementing NWS surveillance and management strategies in wildlife; and
    Conducting targeted outreach in the local area.

Additionally, USDA’s National Veterinary Stockpile stands ready to assist, and will provide resources including treatments, equipment, and logistics support the response as needed.

USDA will continue to work with state departments of agriculture, animal health officials, industry, and producers to mitigate economic impacts of restrictions as much as possible, including negotiating with our trading partners to regionalize any trade restrictions on live animals, limiting them to defined geographic areas.  

NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including in rare cases people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.  

USDA urges residents in the area to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge immediately. 

While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworm, seek immediate medical attention. 

The U.S. food supply is safe. Screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food sources. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe and properly labeled. Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), FSIS inspection personnel must inspect all eligible animal species unless they are exempt or covered by a state inspection program.

Any evidence of screwworm infestation in an animal would be identified during these inspections, and any contaminated product from an affected animal would not be allowed to enter the food supply. 

For more than a year, USDA has led a unified response to NWS. As the lead coordinating agency, USDA has deployed advanced surveillance systems and supported robust cross-border response efforts in Mexico and Central America to combat the pest and push NWS away from the United States. These efforts have bought time for USDA to increase domestic preparedness efforts. 

Learn more about New World screwworm at Screwworm.gov.



New World Screwworm Case Discovered in the U.S.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement that the first case of New World screwworm (NWS) has been reported in the United States.

“The re-emergence of New World screwworm in the United States after 60 years will have an immediate impact on farmers and ranchers in the affected areas. We are confident that the longstanding coordination between the states and USDA will enable a quick response and hopefully limit the negative impacts and resulting market volatility.

“We encourage farmers, ranchers and pet owners to familiarize themselves with the signs of NWS and notify a veterinarian if infection is suspected. It is important to be clear about the fact that this re-emergence does not threaten the safety of our food supply. We are fortunate to have one of the safest food supplies in the world, which includes multiple layers of protection.

“We knew the screwworm could one day migrate north, and we appreciate USDA and Secretary Rollins for the coordination and mitigation efforts that have already occurred. Farm Bureau is committed to working with USDA and the affected areas in any way to eliminate this pest once again from the U.S.”



NCBA Responds to USDA Detection of Screwworm in the United States 

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall Wednesday responded to the announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that one case of New World Screwworm has been detected in a calf in South Texas:
 
“NCBA and our state partner organizations have been working for more than a year to combat the incursion of the New World Screwworm, and we are doing everything possible to protect the interests of American cattle producers. We appreciate USDA and other agencies for working rapidly to bolster critical resources that protect producers, including building a domestic sterile fly facility, increasing fly surveillance, and expediting the availability of necessary drugs and treatments for cattle. We defeated this harmful pest before in the 1960s by investing heavily in sterile fly dispersal and NCBA will continue using every tool in the toolbox to ensure Screwworm is eradicated in the U.S. once again.” 



NMPF Statement on the Return of New World Screwworm
President & CEO Gregg Doud

The return of New World screwworm to the United States decades after its initial eradication is a disappointing milestone, but it’s also one for which dairy producers have been preparing for more than a year, in collaboration with USDA and across agriculture. It’s important to remember that this development has no effect on food safety, and that measures to combat both the screwworm and its spread are in place and time-tested. We appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proactive efforts to prepare for this moment, and we stand ready to work with the department to address any ongoing challenges. 

Now that USDA has confirmed that screwworm is here, dairy farmers and all livestock producers pledge close collaboration with USDA, state and local officials, and producer organizations to mitigate any harmful effects and educate farmers on how to protect their herds. We have been creating resources to guide farmers in their responses, and we will keep our members well informed of any important screwworm developments.  

We also urge officials to follow scientific guidance in any decisions affecting animal movements and regulatory responses to avoid causing economic harm that could be greater than the screwworm itself. We also ask that adequate resources be provided to combat this problem, which causes suffering in animals and creates risk for producers. 



Meat Institute Issues Statement on Confirmation of New World Screwworm in Texas

The Meat Institute today released the following statement regarding the confirmation of a case of New World Screwworm in Texas:

“American consumers need to know that New World Screwworm is not a food safety concern.  Meat and poultry products are safe to consume,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Our first priority is to protect the health of the nation’s livestock. We are encouraging members of the Meat Institute to work with local, state and federal authorities to detect and irradicate the pest.

“USDA has been working hard to prevent and respond to New World Screwworm. For a year now they have improved biosecurity by investing in protections and treatments and coordinating rapid response. We will look to USDA to brief industry stakeholders and call on them to consider allowing low risk terminal movements for slaughter to ensure animals continue to be processed. It is important for state animal health organizations to follow USDA’s NWS Response Playbook.”



First Adult Emergence IA, Continued Emergence in NE.
soybeangallmidge.org

The first soybean gall midge adult emergence was detected in Iowa on June 2 near Dexter in Dallas County, where a single adult was collected. In Nebraska, continued adult emergence was detected at two monitoring locations in northern Lancaster County, with a single adult collected at each site on June 1. No adult emergence has been detected in South Dakota or Minnesota at this time.

As a reminder, depending on the planting date in May, some soybean fields may not yet be at the V2 growth stage when stem fissures begin to form, and plants become susceptible to soybean gall midge infestation. See soybeangallmidge.org for soybean staging information and examples of stem fissures.

Before considering an insecticide application, use the following checklist:
 • Is the field adjacent to a soybean field with soybean gall midge pressure from the previous year?
 • Are soybean plants at the V2 growth stage?
 • Is adult emergence occurring in your area based on the emergence map and alerts?

If an application is being considered, use a product containing a pyrethroid active ingredient. Applications only need to target the current year’s soybean field edge, generally within the first 60–100 feet of the field adjacent to soybean with plant injury observed in the previous year. However, foliar insecticide efficacy for soybean gall midge has been inconsistent across locations and years.



Platte Valley Cattlemen Summer Tour June 15 
Joey Kratochvil, PVC President

It's almost time for our Summer Cattlemen's Tour. This year, we will meet on Monday, June 15, at Reg's 7 Mile Steakhouse at 8:00 AM. Then we will load onto a charter bus and head out to Hastings.

Our first stop will be T-L Irrigation Company, known for manufacturing hydraulically driven center pivots. It will be a walking tour of their facility to see how the pivots are made.

Next, we will head over to the Western Reserve Beef Packing plant. We will learn about the Kosher Slaughter process and the construction underway for adding more capacity in the future. 

*Note: Closed-toe shoes are required for all tours.

After the second tour is finished, we will head back to Reg's for steak and beverages. We would like to thank Kyle Pratt with Zoetis for sponsoring the social hour, and Bank of the Valley for sponsoring the meal.

Please respond and RSVP to Hallee Held 402-270-2686 Joey Kratochvil 402-380-6349, by June 11th so we can get a head count for the tour. If you prefer, you can email: jkratochvil9330@gmail.com

We look forward to meeting you at Reg's Steakhouse @ 8:00 AM on June 15th!



National Sorghum Month highlights strong future for Nebraska growers

June is National Sorghum Month, a time to recognize Nebraska sorghum growers and highlight the crop’s contributions to agriculture across the state and the United States.

“Nebraska’s sorghum industry continues to benefit from the dedication of growers, researchers and industry partners who are helping move the crop forward,” said Tracy Zink, chair of Nebraska Sorghum Producers. “Sorghum continues to be a strong, reliable choice for Nebraska farmers. Its adaptability, efficiency and expanding market opportunities position it as an important part of our state’s agricultural future.”

As National Sorghum Month is observed, Nebraska’s sorghum industry is being recognized for the crop’s resilience and versatility in modern production systems. Sorghum continues to be valued for its drought tolerance, efficient use of inputs and wide range of end uses.

The crop plays an important role in livestock feed, renewable fuels, export markets and food products, reinforcing its place in a diverse agricultural economy.

Nebraska growers continue to maintain strong sorghum acreage, reflecting confidence in the crop’s agronomic performance and market opportunities. That stability is especially notable as producers navigate variable weather conditions and input costs.

“Sorghum’s value extends across the entire supply chain, from the farm gate to end users in feed, fuel and food markets,” said Scott Nelson, chair of the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board. “That broad demand helps reinforce its long-term role in Nebraska agriculture.”

National Sorghum Month highlights those contributions while recognizing the farmers who produce the crop and the markets that continue to support its growth.

Individuals interested in helping shape the future of Nebraska's sorghum industry are encouraged to consider serving on the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board. Those interested in learning more about board service or the nomination process can contact the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board office at sorghum.board@nebraska.gov for additional information.



NEW HUSKER-DEVELOPED WHEAT, TRITICALE VARIETIES SUPPORT NEBRASKA PRODUCERS

The warm winter, prolonged drought and spring freezes have combined to make this a punishing year for western Nebraska wheat growers. The challenges are steep, but new wheat and triticale varieties developed by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with producer input provide hope for future seasons.

NE Daybreak, a hard red winter wheat, features a helpful spread in crop maturity and has strong yield. NE Fenster, also a hard red winter wheat variety used for bread-making, has updated genes for hardiness and expands the maturity spread. NT Pronto, a forage triticale, stands out for notably early maturing.

Having crop varieties with different maturing rates helps producers by reducing the risks from weather events, said Nathan Mueller, executive director of Nu Horizon Genetics, a 501c5 nonprofit organization that markets the university’s wheat varieties through a farmer-driven marketing group with 18 members across Nebraska and Colorado.

Those and other varieties developed by the university with producer input will be prominent in this year’s wheat variety tours, set for June 10-18 at seven Nebraska locations. Extension specialists will be on site to discuss performance, disease considerations and management approaches. The field day schedule is subject to change and can be checked at the wheat tours extension site https://preec.unl.edu/2026-wheat-variety-tours/.

The tours are part of the university’s decades-long collaboration with Nebraska wheat producers dating from the 1950s when Husker small grains breeder John Schmidt developed 28 new wheat varieties. His successor, Stephen Baenziger, continued the tradition, producing more than 40 wheat cultivars. Following his retirement in 2021, Katherine Frels, assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture, is carrying the mission forward.

Success with the new varieties involves not only advanced science and breeding precision, Frels said, but “getting seed increased to the right levels, planning release sequences and making sure that we are filling the right gaps in available germplasm.”

Close collaboration among key partners — the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Husker Genetics, NUtech Ventures and Nu Horizon Genetics — “has helped us turn these challenges into strengths,” she said. “Together, we are getting the right varieties to the right place at a much faster pace than under our previous capacity.”

Chris Cullan, a fourth-generation farmer in Hemingford, Nebraska, tried Fenster and Daybreak as part of the university’s coordination with growers and said both varieties demonstrated hardiness in enduring the past winter’s significant temperature swings.

“I felt Fenster had great fall growth and ground covering ability. It also just had a healthy color to the plant — a dark, robust green,” said Cullan, who works closely with the university’s Husker Genetics to test new wheat varieties. “The Daybreak I raised was side by side of my Ruth production, and it was very similar in appearance and ground cover last fall, which is good.”

Mueller noted that Fenster has greater height in addition to its updated genetics. As a result, producers can plant a little deeper, and the variety’s late-maturing quality can help growers avoid problems from spring freezing.

Cullan, who collaborates regularly with the specialists and educators at the university’s Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff, cautioned that this year’s crop data will be far from the norm, given the extreme drought conditions in western Nebraska.

The new Fenster variety is named after the late Charles R. “Charlie” Fenster, a longtime Husker dryland farming specialist whose research and outreach helped Panhandle producers achieve notable improvements in wheat management, including soil and water conservation.

Eric Nelson, a fifth-generation farmer near Mead, Nebraska, said Pronto, the university’s new triticale variety, was developed decades ago by Baenziger on an organic farm in eastern Nebraska as he looked for an early maturing, rapid developing triticale to be used primarily as a ground cover.

Pronto, sitting in cold storage, subsequently garnered the attention of Jeff Noel, the now-retired director of Husker Genetics, part of the university’s Agricultural Research Division, which takes experimental plant varieties and hybrids from the lab and grows them into commercial quantities. Nelson tested Pronto repeatedly and found it stands out for a robust early-maturity quality. In partnership with Frels, he developed significant seed volume for sales across Nebraska.

“Its early maturity allows producers who want to hay or chop it, then double-crop behind it,” Nelson said. “They will have the option to grow almost anything they want as their second crop and still have enough growing season left.”

Growers can learn more about the three new varieties at https://nuhorizongenetics.com.

The university is achieving important breeding progress through increasingly sophisticated science and technology encompassing high-level genetic science, massive amounts of sensor data and advanced analytical tools to crunch that information.

“The innovation in science is not stopping,” Mueller said. “It’s continuing to progress and succeed, and it’s a whole new world with data and data management.”

Breeders were previously limited to a few datapoints on disease resistance, yield and agronomic performance each year, Frels said. But now the university “has access to high-throughput phenotyping data from UAVs (drones) or other tools in addition to thousands of DNA datapoints on each of our experimental lines.”

Frels and colleagues work to combine that extensive data with traditional selection metrics to make selection decisions efficiently, on time and with better accuracy for the lines’ actual yield potential.

In looking at the university’s multi-faceted support for Nebraska’s wheat sector, Cullan said he especially appreciates the wheat variety testing.

“These real-life trials help to make an educated decision regarding varieties for your specific area of production and in the case of rainfed versus irrigation,” he said.

The resulting multi-year data provide vital, practical information for producers about specific varieties’ long-term reliability.

“That prevents a variety from becoming a ‘one hit wonder’ and having a low term in production years on our farms,” Cullan said.



RFA Congratulates 2026 FEW Award Honorees

The Renewable Fuels Association applauds the four industry leaders who received recognition at the 2026 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo today in St. Louis—all of whom represent RFA member companies.

“Every year, the Fuel Ethanol Workshop honors men and women whose drive and dedication helped move the U.S. ethanol industry forward to new heights,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “As the leading trade association for our industry, we’re pleased to see that the companies they represent are all producer or associate members of RFA. We congratulate them, thank them for their outstanding service, and wish them every future success. We’re especially happy to see former RFA Chairman Chuck Woodside honored for his strong leadership as a respected voice and thoughtful innovator for U.S. ethanol.”  

Recognized by BBI International at its annual event were:
    Chuck Woodside, CEO of KAAPA Ethanol LLC, who received the High Octane Award for his decades of leadership and service to the ethanol industry. Woodside served as RFA chairman from 2011–2012. Woodside has served as CEO at KAAPA for 25 years, and KAAPA has grown into the largest farmer-owned ethanol producer in Nebraska, with a grain elevator and three ethanol plants producing over 350 million gallons annually. In addition to RFA, Woodside has also served in leadership roles with Renewable Fuels Nebraska and Renewable Products Marketing Group.
    Jenny Forbes, vice president of sales and service at Phibro Ethanol, who received the Women in Ethanol Award for her more than 20 years of leadership, technical expertise and dedication to ethanol producers.
    Pauline Teunissen, global application director for grain processing at IFF, who received the Award of Excellence for her longstanding contributions to innovation in ethanol production.
    Jim Ramm, who co-founded and served as vice president of U.S. biofuels at EcoEngineers, and received the Distinguished Service Award for his pioneering work in low-carbon fuel compliance and carbon markets. He retired last year. 



Summer Field Day at Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm Is June 25

Crop farmers and agronomists looking for the latest in herbicide and crop production are invited to join the Summer Field Day at the Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm on June 25.

Hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the educational field day offers an opportunity to increase knowledge of herbicide practices, fungicide treatments and sulfur effects in row crops and other timely crop production topics. 

Attendees will hear from extension and industry professionals. Field day topics and speakers are:
    Effects of sulfur on corn and soybeans – Richard Roth, assistant professor and extension nitrogen specialist at Iowa State
    Fungicide efficacy and disease pressure update – Alison Robertson, professor of plant pathology and microbiology and extension field crops pathologist at Iowa State
    Soybean herbicide demonstration – Wesley Everman, assistant professor and extension weed scientist at Iowa State
    A systems approach to adopting cover crops – Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist at Iowa State
    Best herbicide management practices – Bill Backhaus, senior agronomic service representative at BASF, and Nate Quam, technical service representative at BASF

"The field day will cover timely information on foliar fungicides and an early outlook on potential disease pressure this growing season, while also addressing bigger-picture topics like herbicide challenges, which are becoming more frequent,” said Aaron Saeugling, extension field agronomist at Iowa State. “Our goal is to provide practical, research-based information that attendees can take back and apply in their own fields.” 

The field day will take place at the Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm, located at 53020 Hitchcock Avenue, Lewis. On-site registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the field day running from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and Certified Crop Advisors can earn 0.5 crop management, 1.5 pest management and 0.5 nutrient management credits. 

To assist with the lunch count, pre-registration is encouraged by contacting Aaron Saeugling at 712-254-0082 or clonz5@iastate.edu. This event is open to the public at no cost, thanks to the support from ISU Extension and Outreach, ISU Research Farms and the Wallace Foundation. 

For more information, contact Aaron Saeugling at 712-254-0082 or clonz5@iastate.edu.



Expert Panel Discusses How Strategic Advocacy Delivers for Pork Producers
 
Advocacy experts from the National Pork Producers Council explained how targeted strategies deliver policy wins, beneficial regulatory reforms, and better market access for producers during a live panel discussion at the 2026 World Pork Expo today.
 
From Washington, D.C., to our states’ capitals, the panel unpacked how policy work gets done in support of the pork industry, with the backdrop of regulatory and legislative issues affecting pork production at the federal and state levels.

“Times are changing, and we are seeing pressure on our industry like we have not seen before. It takes a strong and respected voice to cut through the noise and ensure policymakers and regulators understand how their decisions impact our farms,” said Rob Brenneman, NPPC president and Iowa pork producer. “NPPC stands up for what producers need back home by combatting misinformation, ensuring legislative and regulatory decisions are grounded in science, and sharing transparent, factual information about agriculture.”

Brenneman was joined by Bryan Humphreys, NPPC chief executive officer; Maria C. Zieba, vice president of government affairs; and Pat McGonegle, Iowa Pork Producers Association CEO, to share insights about effective, strategic advocacy at every level of government.

Zieba offered a behind-the-scenes look at advocacy, underscoring how NPPC has successfully secured a seat at the table where key issues are being discussed to ensure producers’ voices are heard. 

“Timely engagement is important if we want to succeed. We are engaged—in many cases—well before legislation and regulations are formally proposed, ensuring producer perspectives are considered early—and often,” Zieba said. 

Zieba singled out the One Big Beautiful Bill as an example of how NPPC utilizes its position to proactively remain ahead of ever-evolving issues.

“Congress made a lot of cuts in the reconciliation bill, but when it came to animal health, they preserved the necessary funding NPPC requested,” she said. “This funding is an investment for the health and safety of animals and rural America, and Congress saw the value in this.”

Additional topics included the 2026 Farm Bill, California Proposition 12, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, animal health preparedness, and more.

As the pork industry’s largest annual event, World Pork Expo brings together more than 10,000 U.S. producers, global visitors, and industry professionals, making it an ideal forum for discussing pressing policy challenges and opportunities.



Urea Moves Lower; 6 Fertilizers Continue To Be Slightly Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly higher, according to prices tracked by DTN for the fourth full week of May 2026. Six fertilizers were slightly more expensive, while two fertilizers were less expensive than a month ago. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. 

Urea cost 5% less. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $823/ton. UAN32 was just slightly lower in price, with an average price of $585/ton.

The six fertilizers slightly higher compared to last month were DAP with an average price of $914/ton, MAP $953/ton, potash $494/ton, 10-34-0 $723/ton, anhydrous $1,118/ton and UAN28 $530/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.90/lb.N, anhydrous $0.68/lb.N, UAN28 $0.95/lb.N and UAN32 $0.91/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier by the following amounts: Potash (4%); 10-34-0 (8%); both DAP and MAP (15%); UAN32 (18%); urea (24%); UAN32 (27%); and anhydrous (44%).



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/29/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 29, ethanol production expanded 1.7% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.54 million gallons daily. Output was 0.3% higher than the same week last year and 4.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 2.0% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.86 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks receded 1.4% to a 20-week low of 24.6 million barrels. Still, stocks were 0.7% more than the same week last year and 7.9% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest (PADD 2) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, plummeted 7.2% to an 8-week low of 8.59 million b/d (132.11 bg annualized). Demand was 4.0% more than a year ago but 2.6% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol dropped 4.1% to a 7-week low of 899,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.82 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.3% less than year-ago levels and 0.1% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports improved 32.4% to 135,000 b/d (5.7 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



USDA Announces Improved Support, Reduced Burdens, and $60 million in Investments to Support Small Meat and Poultry Plants

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Wednesday launched the Small Processors Action Plan, a new set of actions to better support small and very small meat and poultry processing plants, improve customer service, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining strong food safety protections for consumers. Additionally, Secretary Rollins announced that USDA is accepting applications for the fourth round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to expand American meat and poultry processing.

“Today’s announcement marks another step toward rebuilding our domestic beef industry, the actions contained in the new Small Processors Action Plan modernize USDA’s approach to the people and small businesses who process American locally grown beef and protein. We are removing overly burdensome red tape, improving service, and giving small plants the clarity and support these business need to operate safely, grow, and compete,” said Secretary Rollins. “By expanding local processing capabilities, we’re continuing to bolster our domestic producers, which are central to the President’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.”

“President Trump ended the war on protein. Real American beef is back on the menu,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “USDA’s Small Processors Action Plan will strengthen our food supply, expand access to high-quality protein, and support American farmers and ranchers. That’s how we Make America Healthy Again.”

Both the Small Processors Action Plan and the additional $60 million in funding for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program build on USDA’s Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry.

Small Processors Action Plan:
Small and very small plants make up the majority of Federally inspected establishments and play a critical role in local economies, rural communities, and the resilience of the nation’s food supply. These actions being announced by USDA are designed to make it easier for these businesses to interact with the agency, get timely answers, and resolve issues, without weakening inspection or food safety standards.

Improving customer service and responsiveness
    Creating clearer, easier ways for small plants to submit and track appeals and requests
    Establishing dedicated support to help small businesses navigate processes and get timely responses
    Expanding access to assistance for plants with limited technology or connectivity

Making requirements clearer and easier to navigate
    Updating and expanding plain-language guidance by FSIS, tailored to small and very small plants
    Improving visibility of available support, escalation paths, and points of contact
    Launching simpler tools to help plants engage with USDA systems

Reducing unnecessary burden while maintaining food safety
    Streamlining processes related to FSIS inspection staffing concerns and appeals
    Improving consistency and clarity across the field through targeted training and guidance
    Strengthening coordination with the Small Business Administration to ensure small plants are aware of available resources

USDA will begin rolling out these improvements immediately and will continue engaging with small and very small plants to ensure the changes are effective and responsive to real-world needs.

Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program:
The USDA Rural Business and Cooperative Service published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $60 million to fund a fourth phase of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity, encourage competition and sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, and to help improve supply chain resiliency. Available funding will be divided equally into two separate competitions: one for Small and Very Small Processors and one for Intermediate Processors.

Eligible applications include for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes, and tribal entities. Privately-owned entities must be independently owned and operated, and all entities must be domestically owned. Additionally, the applicant’s processing facility must be physically located and operating in the United States or its territories. The applicant’s facility must primarily process cattle in order for the project to be eligible for the program; however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry at the facility.