farm to plate | The National Provisioner

Special Report | State of the Industry 2020

The state of the pork industry 2020: Turning pandemic behavior to habitual buying

October 12, 2020

Unprecedented. Uncertain. Historic. Frantic. Challenging. Words have been used daily to describe the sudden havoc COVID-19 wreaked on the food system and the economy as America worked to slow the spread of the disease and save lives while we kept a nation fed.

Guest Commentary | Business Strategies

Go slow on slow-growth chickens

Haley Grimes, American Humane Association

March 12, 2020

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If you haven’t heard the hullabaloo about slow-growth chicken, now is the perfect time to tune in to the topic because proponents of the latest trend have not been slow to speak.

Farm to Plate

Using novelty to discourage poultry aggression

Brooke Bartz

September 16, 2019

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Thrill-seeking and novelty is not specific to humans. In fact, many animals also display this curiosity toward unknown objects. In animal behavior, this concept is called the paradox of novelty.

Farm to Plate

Conducting a hazard analysis for animal wellness

Elaine Vanier

August 8, 2019

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This article describes the process of utilizing a hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) plan to identify, balance and mitigate key threats to animal wellness.

Farm to Plate

Farmers: the solution, not the problem

Farmers reside in an ideal spot by which they can help save the planet while promoting and advancing animal welfare.

Robin Ganzert

August 6, 2019

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Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at a conference in Chicago that was hosted by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative. We discussed resilient agriculture, how producers can re-orient their practices to mitigate damage to the environment and build a more sustainable future.

Lessons learned from Hurricane Florence

How to prepare for the next big natural disaster.

Brooke Bartz

January 17, 2019

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I’m still new to the idea of hurricanes because I grew up in the Midwest. Yes, I’ve lived through countless blizzards, ice storms and the occasional tornado, but never hurricanes. Now, living in North Carolina, hurricane season has become a very real part of my life.

Farm to Plate

Poultry leg deformities: More than a 'growing' problem

Brooke Bartz

September 24, 2018

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In keeping up with market demands, some unintended consequences that are becoming evident must be addressed for the health of our bird populations and industry alike, especially as it relates to leg health and bird mobility.

Farm to Plate

Data pinpoints need for a continued focus on stunning efficacy and management

A stunning issue: Assessing humane-handling enforcement actions and developing teachable moments for processors on stunning and handling of animals.

Faith Baier Lucas Heimmermann Sara Odegard Kaleiah Schiller

Kurt D. Vogel PhD

June 13, 2018

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In 2016 and 2017, 107 and 104 humane handling enforcement actions were posted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Web site, respectively.

Farm to Plate

Dropped crops impact welfare, production

Brooke Bartz

March 15, 2018

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Dropped crops range in severity from a barely noticeable bump, to an obvious, pendulous crop that hangs down off the front of the bird. The pendulous crop can cause meat quality issues and poses severe threat to bird health.

Farm to Plate

Egg freshness myths and facts

Eggs-tending education

Brooke Bartz

November 6, 2017

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One of my favorite daytime cooking shows discussed how the brown shell, the organic farm status and deep orange color meant that eggs were fresh. Wait a minute! None of those things are true indicators of freshness in eggs.