Ag in the News

05/22/2008

National

JBS-Swift wastewater finally under control at Grand Island, Neb. plant
JBS-Swift's beef processing plant in Grand Island, Neb., has brought its wastewater discharges within a reasonable range after a litany of wastewater problems during the past several months, Grand Island Public Works Director Steve Riehle told the Merrick County Board of Supervisors, the Grand Island Independent reported. MORE!

Organic Prairie launches uncured pepperoni product
Organic Prairie announced that it has added a new pepperoni product to its line of organic sliced deli meats. MORE!

Smithfield launches new Web site
Smithfield Foods Inc. has redesigned its corporate Web site with new graphics and a format designed to ease navigation. MORE!

New Carl's Jr. and Hardee's burger ads fake out fine diners
Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, both subsidiaries of Carpinteria, Calif.-based CKE, announced the national release of a new ad campaign that will show diners being unwittingly served fast-food burgers at a fake high-end restaurant. MORE!

Darden honors Pilgrim's Pride
Darden Restaurants Inc. has announced that Pilgrim's Pride Corp. was one of 10 William B. Darden Distinguished Supplier Award honorees for 2008. MORE!

Wrap Up

Farm bill saga may stretch into June. Yes, the House did vote to override (316-108) President Bush's expected veto of the farm bill. But a "clerical" error saw one title of the bill dropped out before it went to the White House. What does it mean? While efforts may be made to speed up the process it seems like we're headed to final action on the bill after lawmakers return from the Memorial Day recess.

Weekly Export Sales this morning. For the week ended May 15, traders expect: wheat sales from 350,000 to 550,000 MT; corn sales from 400,000 to 700,000 MT; soybean sales from 250,000 to 450,000 MT; meal sales from 75,000 to 150,000 MT; soyoil sales from 10,000 to 20,000 MT; and cotton sales from 200,000 to 400,000 running bales.

South Korea beef. About the only thing more frustrating than the U.S. farm bill is U.S. beef trade with South Korea. Some reports now say the country will act to open its market to U.S. beef via release of rules covering inspections anywhere May 23rd to 26th. But opposition lawmakers signal they'll still try to derail the market reopening.

Cold Storage data today. Pork belly stocks at the end of April totaled 101.2 million lbs. based on the average trade guess. Total pork stocks are guessed at 674.6 million pounds.