Latest news with #meatindustry
ABC News
6 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Cattle producers move towards grain-fed beef as consumer demand and drought risks rise
As cost-of-living pressures force many shoppers to tighten their purse strings, premium meat options like grass-fed beef are getting harder to sell, and cattle producers are taking note. Across Australia they are opting to feed their stock grain rather than relying on pasture, both to meet consumer demand for cheaper meat and protect themselves from drought. While an abundance of grass on western Queensland grazier Josh Phelps's Tambo property might be reassuring right now, he said previous droughts had taught him not to rely on temporary feed. "We're really tending towards the grain-based model," he said. Initially his stock graze on pasture across 19,000 hectares before being finished in a feedlot — a purpose-built facility where cattle are kept in large outdoor pens and fed a consistent diet for up to 120 days. "We've had a run of [good] seasons which we're very grateful for," he said. "To be honest, it's been a bit of a healing period. Those terrible teens are still front of mind for some people, but I think we came through that and learned a lot of lessons. He said the approach not only ensured the animals had a reliable source of food in dry times, but also produced a more consistent animal before being sold to meatworks. "It creates a lot more control and a bit of a safety net," he said. But it was not just drought that pushed the producer in this direction. Mr Phelps said increasingly red meat consumers were being lead by price. "In the end it comes down to the consumer," he said. "They're just happy to buy that regular cut from the supermarket which is generally grain-fed. Mr Phelps is one example of a trend toward grain-fed beef that is playing out across the country with more cattle in feedlots at the start of 2025 than ever before. Erin Lukey, senior market analyst with Meat and Livestock Australia, said 1.5 million head of cattle were in feedlots in the first quarter of 2025, up 11 per cent on the previous year. "The grain sector has grown drastically and consistently, especially in the last five years," Ms Lukey said. "Nationally we have 90 per cent utilisation, which is how full pens are. "Feedlots as a drought mitigation tool has also increased in popularity." According to MLA, which researches and markets Australian beef globally, Queensland feedlots are at 93 per cent capacity and New South Wales are at 91 per cent. With feedlots so full, meat processors have limited capacity to take new animals, but Ms Lukey said that would not stop producers making the switch. "More grain-fed product is going to flow to the processor," she said. "Which means we're going to produce more grain-fed beef." Stefan Vogel, general manager of research at Rabobank, said most of the beef on Australian shelves was grain-fed or finished on grain, and consumer habits had a large impact on production. "When they [customers] go to supermarkets, they're trying to find ways to save money and increase the value of their basket," Mr Vogel said. "There's a demand for quality products at a reasonable price. "Feedlots play an integral role not only for the local consumer but also for Australia as a reliable supplier of meat in the global market."
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
How ultraprocessed plant-based meats can benefit your health
A new report by the Good Food Institute and PAN International highlights the benefits of ultraprocessed plant-based meats, despite their recent decline in popularity. Though often viewed with skepticism due to being ultraprocessed, these foods can be a valid way to transition towards plant-forward diets, benefiting both personal health and the environment. Plant-based meat alternatives generally possess a superior nutritional profile compared to red meat, containing less saturated fat and more beneficial nutrients such as polyunsaturated fat and fiber. However, some plant-based meat products can be higher in sugar and sodium, although the sodium content can be comparable to that of seasoned red meat. Choosing plant-based alternatives significantly reduces environmental impact, as the meat industry contributes 16.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
FAO: Meat and dairy lift food prices as sugar falls
Global food commodity prices edged up in June 2025, driven by rising costs for meat, dairy, and vegetable oils. The Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) index FAO Food Price Index rose modestly by 0.5% from May and was 5.8% higher than a year earlier, despite falling prices for cereals and sugar. Overall, food prices remain elevated compared to last year but are still below the peak reached in early 2022. Food Price Index rises slightly in June The cereal price index fell by 1.5% in June compared to May. World maize prices declined sharply for the second month amid abundant supplies from Argentina and Brazil. Prices of sorghum and barley also decreased. Wheat prices, however, increased due to weather concerns in parts of the European Union (EU), Russia, and the United States. International rice prices dipped slightly, mainly for Indica varieties, reflecting softer demand. The vegetable oil price index rose 2.3% from May, led by gains in palm, soy, and rapeseed oils. Palm oil prices climbed nearly 5% on strong global demand. Soy oil prices increased due to expectations of higher biofuel demand in Brazil and the USA, as well as stronger soybean prices in South America. Rapeseed oil prices rose amid tight global supply, while sunflower oil prices eased due to improved production in the Black Sea region. The meat price index increased by 2.1% in June, hitting a new all-time high. Prices rose for bovine, pig, and ovine meats, while poultry prices continued to fall. Dairy prices up; sugar falls to lowest since 2021 The dairy price index rose 0.5% in June. Butter prices reached a record high amid tight supplies in Oceania and the EU, alongside strong demand from Asia. Cheese prices increased for the third consecutive month, while skim and whole milk powder prices declined due to ample supply and subdued demand. The sugar price index dropped 5.2% from May, marking its fourth consecutive monthly decline and reaching its lowest level since April 2021. This decline reflects improved production prospects in Brazil, India, and Thailand. Record global cereal production forecast FAO also released its latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief , forecasting global cereal production in 2025 to reach an all-time high of 2,925 million tonnes—up 0.5% from last month and 2.3% above 2024 levels. This upward revision is driven by improved outlooks for wheat, maize, and rice. However, hot and dry weather in key producing regions could impact yields, particularly for maize. Wheat output is forecast at 805.3 million tonnes, boosted by higher-than-expected yields in India and Pakistan. Maize production is expected to increase due to favourable conditions in Brazil and larger planted areas in India, offsetting declines in Ukraine and the EU caused by dry weather. Rice production is projected to reach a record 555.6 million tonnes (milled basis), supported by better prospects in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Viet Nam. Despite strong overall forecasts, hot and dry weather in some key regions may reduce maize yields, posing risks to supply. Global cereal use and stocks expected to increase Global cereal utilisation in 2025/26 is forecast at 2,900 million tonnes, up 0.8% from 2024/25. Use of coarse grains has been revised upward, while wheat use forecasts were slightly lowered. Rice consumption is expected to rise, driven by food demand and ethanol production in India. World cereal stocks at the end of the 2025/26 season are projected at 889.1 million tonnes, a 2.2% increase from opening levels. The global stocks-to-use ratio is expected to rise to 30.3%, indicating a comfortable supply outlook. Cereal trade projected to grow Global cereal trade in 2025/26 is predicted to reach 486.9 million tonnes, up 1.2% from the previous year. Wheat and rice exports are forecast to increase, with rice trade reaching an all-time high of 60.8 million tonnes. Maize trade is expected to decline slightly, while trade in barley and sorghum will likely rise. The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), hosted by FAO, also published its monthly Market Monitor. This edition includes an article on strategic grain reserves (SGRs) and food security, offering principles to keep SGRs small, simple, and smart. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tyson Foods to invest in Kentucky facility; faces strike in Texas
Tyson Foods will invest nearly $23.5m in a facility in the US state Kentucky facility to meet 'increased market demand' for protein. The US meat giant is planning to expand its site in Robards, Henderson County. The project involves adding new equipment and upgrading the current facility to boost production capacity and expand product variety. Construction is slated to begin this year and finish by spring 2026. Tyson, meanwhile, is facing worker discontent further south in Texas where a workers at a beef-processing site are preparing to strike. Staff at the site in Amarillo who are members of the Teamsters union, representing 3,200 workers in slaughtering and processing, voted 98% in favour of strike action, demanding 'higher wages and improved benefits'. Union president Al Brito said: 'Last year, Tyson's CEO made 525 times that of the median worker. This facility is essential to the beef supply chain but if Tyson's corporate leadership doesn't start demonstrating some basic humanity, we will be forced to take action.' Just Food has approached Tyson for comment. The union said it lodged several unfair labour practice (ULP) charges against Tyson, accusing the company of breaching labour laws. It claimed that over the past month, Tyson's management had coerced injured workers into withdrawing claims. The union also alleged the company misled workers by stating workers would lose their jobs for participating in a strike over claims of unfair labour practices. In January, Tyson was part of a nine-member group of US poultry processors that had agreed to settle a wage dispute stretching back more than two decades. The meat giant and the eight other defendants agreed to pay $180.8m to plaintiffs in the latest settlement round, although Tyson Foods and the rest of the group have not admitted liability. According to the court document, the nine processors 'conspired to suppress the compensation paid to workers at poultry processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills and complexes over a nearly twenty-year period'. "Tyson Foods to invest in Kentucky facility; faces strike in Texas" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Goldman Sachs Initiates Coverage of Tyson Foods (TSN) With a Buy Rating
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) is one of . Goldman Sachs has initiated coverage of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), assigning a Buy rating and setting a $67 price target. The firm's analysts highlighted Tyson's diverse business segments—beef, chicken, and prepared foods—as a key advantage for reducing earnings volatility over time. Copyright: andreadonetti / 123RF Stock Photo With beef profitability currently at a cyclical low, Goldman views the present share price as a promising point for 'patient investors' to enter. The analysts noted that the underlying weakness in beef markets appears to be largely reflected in the stock, allowing for potential returns as meat prices stabilize. In the near term, strength in Tyson's chicken and prepared foods divisions is seen as a primary growth driver. These segments continue to benefit from steady consumer demand and operational efficiencies, bolstering confidence in Tyson's performance outlook. Goldman also emphasized Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN)'s resilience in managing supply and demand fluctuations. The firm's diversified model is expected to smooth margins and earnings across commodity cycles and consumer patterns. This flexibility gives Tyson an edge compared to peers focused predominantly on a single meat category. The report suggests that Tyson's current valuation already accounts for challenges in the beef market, providing a foundation for appreciation if conditions improve. While we acknowledge the potential of TSN to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TSN and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: and 10 Best Wide Moat Dividend Stocks to Invest in. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
