States in the U.S. are playing a key role in the nation's response to a growing outbreak of avian flu among dairy cattle that has also infected a small number of humans.
The states are chiefly responsible for testing cows and people for the virus, but they take different approaches. Scientists tracking bird flu are increasingly concerned that current surveillance efforts are not sufficient.
Explainer: How U.S. states are testing for bird flu
U.S. livestock: Cattle futures lower on dip in consumer demand
CME live and feeder cattle futures turned lower on Tuesday as cutout values fell and consumer demand waned following the end of major steak-eating holidays, traders said.
Klassen: Buyers tasting feeder cattle prices for fall run
For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.
U.S. livestock: Cattle futures lower, hogs mostly down on demand questions
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures turned lower on Monday, shedding a post-holiday rally on demand concerns and news that beef-loving Argentines are cutting back on buying steaks as the country's economy slumps.
New Canadian feed regulations released
Long-awaited feed regulation update offers more flexibility, risk-based approach, focus on food safety
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released their long-promised update to national feed regulations. Formally referred to as the “Feeds Regulations, 2024,” the final version of the framework was registered June 17 and published for public view July 3 in part 2 of the Canada Gazette.
Bird flu strain in US cows shows minimal air spread in ferret study
The bird flu strain found in cows in the United States is not easily transmitted through the air among ferrets, a new study shows, although the scientist who led the work said it had shown some ability to spread this way.
Feds announce $6 million beef marketing boost
Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) are receiving up to $5,865,110 and $453,364 respectively for marketing activities such as advertising, trade missions, technical training and educational seminars.
Agreement reached at Guelph Cargill plant
Nearly 1,000 unionized employees at Cargill Dunlop in Guelph ratified a new collective agreement on Saturday July 6. The workers, represented by Local 175 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW), began strike action after turning down a deal on May 26.
U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures continue rally on steady demand
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures closed higher on Friday as consumer demand for beef remains high and as U.S. cattle herds continue to undergo a period of contraction, traders said.
Guelph Cargill strike vote to take place Saturday
Striking workers at Cargill's Dunlop beef processing plant in Guelph have a recommended memorandum of settlement in place and they will vote on the possible deal on Saturday.
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