Special Reports

RSS

Of all the changes taking place in the meat and poultry industries now, perhaps the biggest change is something that’s undetectable to the consumer.

This month, to wrap up the magazine’s coverage of its 125th Anniversary, the editorial team decided to take on a bigger challenge: Select 25 individuals we expect will change the industry over the next decade or two.

I joined The National Provisioner in 2004, and after a couple weeks of learning the lingo and conducting a few phone interviews, I made my way out to my first-ever visit to a meat plant.

As someone with decades of experience on several trade magazines, including five years with The National Provisioner early in my career, I can attest to my mother’s genuine love of the meat industry.

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.