Today, conveying value is more important than ever because of the many challenges faced by manufacturers perhaps the most daunting is what some describe as the “commoditizing” of packaging.

While the total number of FSIS recalls is down and allergen recalls are down by roughly 50 percent, there are several troubling trends.

There are opportunities for lamb consumption to expand, and the lamb industry is working at growing its footprint.

By the end of 2017, veal farmers will have invested more than $50 million in new and renovated barns that provide an environment for calves to be comfortable and thrive.

During 2016, supply levels are returning to normal after the disruptions in 2015 caused by the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

U.S. chicken consumption remains high, with 2016 levels surpassing those from the previous two years.

As global demand continues to rise, there are significant future opportunities for U.S. pork exports, which are projected to total 20 percent of domestic production in 2016.

Through early September, 2016 has been a great year for both the fresh and processed pork sales.

Every decision about investing checkoff dollars into beef promotion, research, education, information and foreign-market development aimed at building consumer demand for beef is directly tied to long-range planning.

The question is: “Who is going to flinch first?” Dan Basse, president of AgResource Co., said that’s what he and his team ponder when looking at this “plateau” phase in the agriculture markets.