Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. today announced plans to idle three of its 32 U.S. chicken processing plants by mid-May as part of its reorganization. The idling of these three underperforming plants

Sanderson Farms reported a first-quarter net loss of $6.7 million and net sales for $388.9 million. “The results for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 reflect prevailing economic conditions and

Kathleen Merrigan President Barack Obama today announced his intention to nominate Kathleen A. Merrigan to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. “We at the U.S. Department of Agriculture welcome the President's

Barbara Young, editor-in-chief, reports from the NMA's MeatXpo '09 in Las Vegas.LAS VEGAS – Sunday night was Oscar night in Hollywood. A segment of the U.S. meat industry hosted its

Quiznos names new CEO Quiznos founder Rick Schaden has been named chief executive officer of the sub sandwich chain, following the resignation of Dave Deno. Quiznos’ previous CEO, Greg Brenneman,

Tom Vilsack, USDA Secretary USDA to implement new COOL guidelines U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the USDA will be implementing country-of-origin labeling laws effective March 16. The

JBS gives up on National Beef acquisition by Sam Gazdziak JBS, owner of JBS-Swift, has announced it has abandoned its attempt to take over National Beef Packing Co. The Brazilian-headquartered company originally announced

Hormel turns in mixed first-quarter results Hormel Foods announced that its first quarter volume was down 1 percent from last year and earnings of $81.4 million, an 8 percent decrease.

USDA may propose new COOL laws The Obama Administration wants new labels for fresh meat and other foods that more clearly show where the animal or food item came from,

Smithfield to close 6 plants, cut 1,800 jobs Smithfield Foods announced it will close six plants this year as part of a plan to consolidate and streamline its pork business.