House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson released the text of Farm Bill 2.0 (the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026). The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomes the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems. These updates reflect years of data and experience, and are designed to lower costs for American families, reduce outdated regulatory barriers for processors, and support a more efficient and resilient food supply.
The Meat Institute said the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed rules changes concerning pork and poultry processing rates will increase production and innovation, helping to ease prices for consumers and benefitting livestock and poultry producers.
The Meat Institute published updated versions of the Animal Welfare Audit and the Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to humane animal handling, employee safety, and continuous improvement. For the new Animal Handling Guidelines, Audit forms and additional resources, go here.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has opened applications for summer 2026 semester internships in the association’s Colorado headquarters and Washington, D.C. office. Internships are available for public policy and meetings and events.
The 2026 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo will take place March 27-29 in downtown Fort Worth and is open to all ranchers, landowners, farmers and wildlife managers. ESPN reporter Marty Smith will headline the event, joined by industry leaders discussing market trends, policy updates and innovations in agriculture. For more information and to register, visit cattleraisersconvention.com.
Certified Angus Beef (CAB) will award over $100,000 to college students pursuing careers in food and agriculture from the Colvin Scholarship Fund. Applications span three degree tracks and are open through April 1.
The Poultry Industry Food Safety Council (PIFSCo), a new collaborative initiative dedicated to advancing food safety practices across the poultry industry, has officially launched. Representing the breeder, broiler, duck, layer and turkey sectors, PIFSCo works to identify research priorities, share practical solutions and promote continuous improvement in food safety practices. The organization’s launch coincides with the debut of its new website, PIFSCo.org, which will serve as the central hub for resources and program updates.
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) had a successful 2026 expo with the largest trade show floor in its history covering 662,214 square feet of exhibit space with 1,375 exhibitors. Recognized as the world’s largest annual event for the animal food, meat, poultry and egg industries, IPPE also ranks among the 25 largest trade shows in the United States.
Five poultry farms were honored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association during the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award held at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo. Presented each year, the award recognizes family farmers in poultry and egg production who demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship.
Mike Levengood, vice president, chief animal care officer and farmer relationship advocate for Perdue Farms, was named USPOULTRY’s Workhorse of the Year during the USPOULTRYs Chair’s Reception at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo. The poultry industry’s most prestigious honor is awarded annually in recognition of dedicated service and valuable leadership given to the Association and the poultry industry.
Kailey Kulhanek, Texas A&M University, was awarded the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year during the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program, held in conjunction with the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo. This scholarship pays tribute to Frank Perdue’s commitment to guiding young individuals pursuing careers in the poultry industry. Perdue was a dedicated supporter of the College Student Career Program, enthusiastically participating in student interviews for many years. Maggie Love, North Carolina State University (NC State), was recognized in second place and Melissa Babinecz, University of Florida, was recognized in third place.
Karen McCarty of Agropur was recognized with the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) 2026 Food Safety Leadership Award during International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) Dairy Forum. The award, now in its tenth year, honors an individual, group or organization for demonstrating outstanding leadership directed at enhancing food safety within the dairy products industry. Also at the forum, Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms, LLC of Townville, Pa. was recognized as the 2026 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, an award presented each year by IDFA and Dairy Herd Management magazine.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that Andrew Jerome has been named senior vice president of strategic communications. He will also assume the role of executive director of the IDFA Foundation, effective March 16, succeeding Matt Herrick. Jerome will report to Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA, and serve on the association’s executive leadership team.
A joint research project by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) presented new findings on the genetic basis of lameness in dairy cows at the 2025 World Dairy Expo. The results confirm that lameness is not just a management challenge – it is also heritable to a meaningful degree, indicating that targeted breeding strategies could reduce it over time.
Dairy farmers represented by the National Milk Producers Federation thanked USDA and Sec. Brooke Rollins for taking steps to boost low milk prices and expand dairy consumption through significant Section 32 purchases of a balanced, effectively targeted mix of dairy products, including the first major butter purchases in five years.
The U.S. dairy industry exported $9.51 billion in dairy products in 2025, nearing the record high of $9.54 billion set in 2022 and marking a significant 15 percent increase over 2024, according to calendar year 2025 data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The milestone underscores strong global demand for high-quality U.S. dairy products and reflects the industry’s success in expanding and diversifying export markets worldwide.
The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, announced that Elise Fennig has been named president and chief executive officer, effective March 16, 2026. Fennig succeeds Dana Brooks, who has served as PFI’s president and CEO since 2018.
In a key win for U.S. pork producers, President Trump has finalized a beneficial trade agreement with Taiwan, a direct result of the National Pork Producers Council’s long-fought effort to secure greater market access in the Asian nation.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the announcement that U.S. beef exports will gain duty-free access to Taiwan under a new trade agreement. The agreement removes both tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening one of the most important and fastest growing markets for U.S. beef.
The national shortage of rural, food systems veterinarians continues to threaten U.S. food security, public health, and economic growth, but Farm Journal Foundation’s work over the past four years shows that progress can be made through coordinated efforts across government, industry, and academic sectors.
