Plenty of eggs, although pricey, as bird flu hits more farms
Nearly 5 percent of the egg-laying hens in the United States have died in outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the past six weeks, said USDA data on Wednesday. Egg prices were rising faster than the overall rate of food inflation, though there was an ample supply ahead of Easter and Passover.
Covid-19 public health emergency extension keeps SNAP benefits boost in place
The Biden administration extended the Covid-19 public health emergency on Wednesday, keeping increased nutrition benefits for millions of families in place for the coming months.
Meatpacking leaders to speak at House hearing on industry concentration
The chief executive officers of Cargill, Tyson Foods, JBS, and National Beef — the four largest meatpackers in the country — will testify at a House Agriculture Committee hearing on consolidation in the meat industry, said chairman David Scott.
Senate Ag to kick off farm bill hearings in Michigan
The first Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on the 2023 farm bill will be held in Michigan on April 29, announced committee leaders on Wednesday. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow has said field hearings in Michigan and Arkansas would begin the process of gathering ideas for the bill.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Border gridlock snags produce: Importers of fresh produce say some shipments have spoiled because of reroutings and backups resulting from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order that state troopers inspect every truck entering Texas from Mexico. (Associated Press)
Aid for rural hospitals: Up to $475 million will be awarded to rural hospitals and healthcare providers through a new USDA grant program called Emergency Rural Health Care. The first round of $43 million will go to 93 healthcare organizations and community groups in 22 states. (USDA)
Grazing to sequester carbon: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supported by the meat industry, awarded grants to ranchers in Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas in a five-year project to use regenerative agriculture practices to improve grassland management and sequester carbon dioxide. (Meat and Poultry)
Steady on SRW wheat: U.S. farmers will harvest 359 million bushels of soft red winter wheat, down marginally from 2021, and 237 million bushels of soft white winter wheat, up 61 percent from last year, said a panel of millers and merchants. (Food Business News)
Bronaugh at Ohio HBCU: Deputy Agriculture Secretary Jewel Bronaugh was scheduled to visit Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, on Thursday, part of a series of events highlighting USDA support of historically Black colleges and universities that are part of the land-grant university system. (Ag Insider)
