North America

FTC requests more information on Elanco-Bayer deal

Elanco Animal Health’s proposed acquisition of Bayer AG’s animal health business is still pending

December 12, 2019

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has received a second request for information from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concerning its previously announced acquisition of Bayer AG’s animal health business.

Maine Legislative Council passes cage-free egg bill

With approval of council, bill can now be considered by the state legislature

December 12, 2019

Roy Graber

Maine’s Legislative Council approved a bill that would prohibit certain confinements of hens and the sale of their eggs.

Influencer’s carnivore diet experiment disappoints

Alyse Parker said she felt healthier after only eating meat and poultry products, but she also perpetuated stereotypes about animal agriculture production

December 11, 2019

Roy Graber

Online influencer Alyse Parker, a former vegan, conducted an experiment in which she ate only meat and eggs over a 30-day period.

Appeal of shareholder suit against Sanderson Farms denied

Plaintiffs alleged that Sanderson Farms conspired with other chicken companies and tried to conceal that it did so

December 11, 2019

Roy Graber

A class-action lawsuit filed against Sanderson Farms by some investors cannot be revived.

USDA raises forecast for 2020 broiler, turkey, egg exports

Lifting of China’s ban on U.S. poultry reflected in new estimates

December 10, 2019

Roy Graber

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) raised its projection for the export of broiler, turkey and eggs, following China’s decision to end a ban on imports of poultry from the United States.

USMCA deal reached between Trump, House Democrats

Ag groups applaud deal, urge Congress to quickly ratify trade deal

December 10, 2019

Roy Graber

A deal has been reached between U.S. President Donald Trump and Democrats in the House of Representatives to move forward the process of ratifying the U.S.-Mexico Agreement (USMCA).

Puerto Rico struggles to continue with cockfights

Cockfights will be illegal in all U.S. territories from Dec. 20, following a federal ban, but Puerto Rican political leaders demand that it should not come into effect.

December 10, 2019

Cindy A. Burgos Alvarado

“This is an industry that represents more than $18 million in our economy and also more than 27,000 direct and indirect jobs on the island,” said Puerto Rican Congresswoman Jenniffer González.

Tyson Prepared Foods plant expansion planned in Kansas

Plans call for addition of 7,000 square feet of freezer space

December 9, 2019

Roy Graber

Tyson Foods would like to expand its Tyson Prepared Foods plant in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Staffing companies providing workers to Hillandale fined

Connecticut labor agency says companies admitted to violating law by improperly classifying employees as independent contractors; Hillandale Farms found not at fault

December 6, 2019

Two companies providing temporary workers for a Hillandale Farms plant in Bozrah, Connecticut, have been fined by the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Wage and Workplace Standards Division.

USDA proposes National Poultry Improvement Plan updates

Proposal would align with changes in the poultry industry, and incorporate new scientific information and technologies into NPIP

December 5, 2019

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing updates to the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) to align with changes in the poultry industry, as well as to incorporate new scientific information and technologies into the NPIP.