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livestock industry
Trends
- 1Lab-grown meat revolution fails to materialise●Where's the Beef?: The lab-grown-meat revolution that wasn't
A new Harper's Magazine essay argues that lab-grown, or cultivated, meat has failed to deliver on the bold promises of its startups and investors, who once predicted it would replace conventional livestock farming. The piece examines why the industry has struggled with high production costs, regulatory hurdles and weak consumer appetite, leaving the promised revolution largely unrealised.
- 2
Cattle industry groups are protesting ICE immigration raids, saying enforcement actions are disrupting ranch operations and removing workers the livestock sector depends on. Industry representatives argue the raids threaten agricultural labor supply at a time when ranches already struggle to fill jobs, and they are calling for protections for farm and ranch workers.
- 3FEFAC Urges EU Contingency Plan for Livestock Feed Supplies▼FEFAC Calls for EU Contingency Plan to Safeguard Livestock Feed Supplies
FEFAC, the European feed manufacturers' federation, is calling on the European Union to draw up a contingency plan to secure feed supplies for livestock farming. The request reflects concern in the agri-food sector over the EU's vulnerability to disruptions in imports of feed materials such as soy and other protein sources, with the industry seeking guarantees that animals can be fed even if supply chains are interrupted.
- 4
A wild screwworm fly has been found in Texas, the first detection there since the current outbreak began. The parasitic fly, whose larvae infest the wounds of warm-blooded animals, poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife. The discovery will raise concern among ranchers and agricultural officials monitoring the pest's northward spread from Mexico.
- 5University launches animal science program to build livestock workforce▼Animal Science Program to develop workforce for animal-related industries and livestock production
The University of Nevada, Reno has announced an Animal Science Program aimed at developing a skilled workforce for animal-related industries and livestock production. The initiative is designed to train students for careers across the livestock and agricultural sectors. The announcement is drawing attention from those following agricultural education and rural workforce development efforts in the region.
- 6Deep Learning Deployed to Track Wildlife Disease Risks at Swine Deadstock Sites▼Using Deep Learning to Detect Wildlife Disease Risks at Swine Deadstock Sites
Researchers are applying deep learning to monitor wildlife activity around swine deadstock disposal sites, aiming to detect disease risks such as African swine fever before they spread to livestock. The approach uses image-based models to identify which scavenging animals visit carcass sites. Industry coverage in the pork sector highlights the technology as a promising biosecurity tool for protecting herds.
- 7
The practice and science of making silage — fermented, stored fodder for livestock — is the subject of renewed discussion in agricultural circles. Farmers and industry commentators are focused on how better fermentation, moisture control and storage techniques can improve feed quality, cut waste and lower costs, particularly ahead of winter feeding season for dairy and beef herds.