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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought its own set of challenges to whole-muscle processing.

Annual U.S. pork production in February (latest data) was up 5.6 percent from the prior year and in an accelerating growth trend before the COVID-19 shutdowns dramatically changed the economic landscape. 

As most of you know, as a food industry lawyer, I have represented the food industry for over 20 years. During the course of that time, I have closely tracked evolving USDA policy, the strengthening of FSIS inspection and surveillance programs, the continuing parade of food product recalls, and the nearly monthly emergence of new foodborne illness outbreaks.

Up until now, the response to the Coronavirus has been largely uniform. While there were some variances between states, the country for the most part had locked down, and people were following social distancing guidelines.

Travis Koch of Overstreet, Homar & Kuker discusses how processors should handle and respond to employee walkouts and demonstrations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the greatest challenges facing the meat and poultry industry is how best to supply safe and nourishing produce as the global population continues to rise.

Barring some dramatic and unforeseen event, it appears the country will choose between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in November.

Andy Hanacek and Drew Lorenz talk about the most recent outlook for the meat and poultry supply chain with COVID-19 infections shutting down some big meat and poultry plants.