Crude Oil Set for Record Daily Surge as Iran War Enters Tenth Day

On Monday, the United States and Israel continued their attacks on Iran during the tenth day of the war, with Israeli strikes on oil facilities in Iran causing toxic smoke across Tehran. 

Meanwhile, Iranian forces sustained their retaliatory strikes on US military assets and other key infrastructure in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The latest Iranian attacks on Bahrain have damaged a water desalination plant.

More than a week after the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes...

US‑Israeli Strikes on Iran Enter Fifth Day as Shipping Companies Divert Vessels 

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran for a fifth day, targeting military, government, and nuclear-related sites in and around Tehran. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missiles and drones, striking energy infrastructure and diplomatic compounds across the Gulf.

The conflict is expanding regionally, with heightened security alerts across Gulf states and reports of damage to civilian and economic infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, has experienced significant disruptions threatening worldwide oil flows...

How the US‑Iran Conflict Is Affecting Global Commodity Markets

US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have sparked significant disruptions in energy, freight, and wider commodity and agricultural markets.

Oil surged at the start of the week, global stock markets wavered, and the energy and shipping sectors have become central to an escalating crisis as commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has halted to a near standstill. 

On Monday, the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran escalated, extending the conflict to Lebanon as Israel responded to strikes by...

Hormel Foods to Divest Whole-Bird Turkey Business to LSI

Hormel Foods has announced it will sell its whole-bird turkey business to Life-Science Innovations (LSI). The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of Hormel’s fiscal year 2026.

The sale includes the Melrose, Minnesota, whole-bird production facility, Swanville feed mill, and associated transportation assets. Hormel will retain ownership of the JENNIE-O® brand and its broader product lineup. LSI will assume supply contracts with turkey growers and provide co-manufacturing services to Hormel through fiscal 2026.

IPPE Unveils New Logo to Commemorate 15-Year Partnership

The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) has unveiled a new logo that reflects the strength of its 15-year collaboration among its three partner organizations – the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, American Feed Industry Association and the Meat Institute. The new brand identity reinforces IPPE’s role as the premier destination where technology and innovation converge across the global animal protein and feed value chain.  

The following new logo features a modern feel with modern typography in updated colors and fonts, as well as updated graphic elements to emphasize the interconnected nature of the poultry, meat and animal food industries...

EC Creates Task Force to Strengthen Import Controls on Food and Feed Safety

The European Commission (EC), on January 26, 2026, launched a new Task Force aimed at reinforcing the European Union’s ability to ensure that imported food and feed products meet its safety standards while supporting jobs and growth among EU producers.

The EC said the initiative will focus on food and feed safety, pesticide residues, and coordinated monitoring of targeted imported goods.

Bringing together expertise from the EC and Member States, the Task Force will work to harmonize import controls, develop recommendations for joint actions

Top 10 Headlines on Expana in 2025—and What Could Shape the Next Year in Food and Ag

2025 was a big year for news in the food and agriculture industry. Headlines ranging from livestock diseases and sweeping policy changes to rising geopolitical tensions, shifting tariffs, weather events, and evolving consumer trends influenced commercial strategies, supply chains, and global market dynamics... 

Senegal Plans New Pig Feed Factory in Ziguinchor

Senegal plans to launch a new feed factory in Ziguinchor, a main pig farming region in the country, near the Guinea-Bissau border.

The project will be implemented through the National Integrated Livestock Development Program (PNDIES), Senegal's Agriculture Ministry said, according to Senegalese Press Agency (APS).

Program coordinator Dr. Dame Sow said the new facility aims to improve feed access for farmers and will help boost local pig production.

“This modern infrastructure will support a sector that sustains hundreds of families in the region,” Sow said. 

Saudi Tanmiah Launches New Poultry Processing Plant and Feed Mill

Saudi Arabia's Tanmiah Food Company has launched a new poultry processing plant in Al Majmaa and a new feed mill in Dahna, the company has announced.

The poultry facility integrates advanced processing lines capable of handling large birds – "a first of its kind in the Kingdom", Tanmiah said, adding that the new site strengthens partnerships with leading global QSR brands, including McDonald’s Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Dahna feed mill is currently in a production trial phase. It has a capacity of 40 metric tons per hour

Feed and Bakery Procurement Execs in Chicago Promote Strategic Partnerships to Navigate Volatility

A panel of procurement leaders from the food and agriculture sector discussed the significant market challenges of 2025 and strategic responses to ongoing volatility during Expana’s Agri-Food Americas conference in Chicago today.   

Panelists included Jason McDonald, Senior Manager of Procurement at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery; Ed Fish, Senior Vice President at Bay State Milling; Jerry W. Rogers, Senior Director of Procurement for Feed Ingredients at Wayne Sanderson.   

Rogers pointed to the difficulty of managing risk amid historically low commodity prices.

ADM and Alltech to Create North American Animal Feed Joint Venture

ADM and Alltech announced on Wednesday a definitive agreement to form a North American animal feed joint venture. the joint venture brings together 44 feed mills across the US and Canada.

As part of the arrangement, Alltech will contribute its US-based Hubbard Feeds and Canada-based Masterfeeds businesses (18 mills in the US and 15 in Canada) while ADM will add its 11 US feed mills. Alltech will hold a majority stake in the venture, which will be governed by a board...

EC Opens Call for Evidence to Streamline Food and Feed Safety Rules

The European Commission (EC) has launched a call for evidence to gather input on plans to simplify, clarify and modernise key areas of EU food and feed safety legislation. The initiative aims to reduce administrative burdens, boost legal clarity and speed regulatory procedures while preserving high food safety standards and EU competitiveness.

The forthcoming food safety package will outline measures to streamline rules across plant protection products, biocidal products, feed additives, hygiene requirements and official controls at EU borders, the EC said.

Case Farms Completes Acquisition of Foster Farms’ Farmerville, Louisiana Operations

Case Farms and Foster Farms have completed an agreement transferring ownership of Foster Farms’ Farmerville, Louisiana complex to Case Farms.

The transaction includes the fresh chicken, prepared foods, and protein conversion facilities in Farmerville, as well as a feed mill in Arcadia, Louisiana, and a hatchery in Athens, Louisiana.

“We are proud to welcome the well-respected Foster Farms team members and growers to the Case Farms family,” said Tom Shelton, Case Farms Founder and Chairman.

Mike Popowycz, Vice Chairman and CEO of Case Farms, noted

The Andersons Advances Houston Port Expansion Amid Shifting Grain Market Conditions

The Andersons, Inc., a North American agriculture company operating in the agribusiness and renewables sectors, is continuing construction on its Houston port project, which is intended to increase the efficiency and capacity of its grain operations and expand export potential for U.S. soybean meal.

The company stated that this expansion could be supported by potential changes to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs). Completion of the project is expected by mid-2026.

As part of its broader business strategy, The Andersons is continuing to integrate...

ADM to Close Animal Nutrition Plant in Minas Gerais, Brazil

ADM is planning to close an animal nutrition plant in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the next 90 days. The plant mainly produces pet food.

At least 780 people could be made redundant, said the President of the Municipal Council of Três Corações, Wesley Dardaque in an official letter.

Workers were informed of the closure on July 15.

ADM shared the following statement with Expana: "ADM is always assessing its portfolio as we focus globally on strategic simplification to ensure we’re operating the right assets to meet customer

BayWa Confirms Most Severe Crisis in Company’s History   

BayWa has confirmed that the 2024 financial year was marked by the most severe crisis in the company’s history. 

“In the summer of 2024, BayWa AG found itself in a debt and liquidity crisis that threatened its very existence, whereupon comprehensive reorganization measures were initiated and a reorganization opinion on the future viability and continued existence of the BayWa Group was commissioned,” the company said in its annual report. 

As part of its ongoing restructuring strategy, BayWa has sold a 47.53% stake in...

Canada: Gay Lea Foods Sells Grober Nutrition to CG Wellington

Gay Lea Foods, a Canadian dairy cooperative, has reached an agreement to sell its Cambridge, Ontario-based animal nutrition division, Grober Nutrition, to CG Wellington Inc., a Canadian family-owned private investment firm specializing in agriculture.

Under the terms of the agreement, Grober Nutrition will continue to operate from its existing Cambridge, Ontario location. All current employees will remain in their roles. Grober Nutrition specializes in milk replacer products used in dairy nutrition. In 2019, Grober Nutrition sold its US subsidiary to Denkavit.

China’s New Hope Outlines Focus on Feed and Hog Farming    

New Hope Liuhe reported profitability in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a renewed focus on its two core businesses: feed and hog farming. This marks the company’s first profitable quarter in three years. The company has undergone significant structural adjustments, with the pig farming division concentrating on improving breeding stock and reducing production costs. The feed division is targeting a return to competitiveness through stable and sustainable growth, the company said. 

“We’ve largely emerged from the downturn, and the company is seeing an overall positive trajectory,”..

Mars Opens New Pet Food Facility in Ohio

Mars has opened a new $450 million Royal Canin pet food factory in Lewisburg, Ohio, representing the largest single investment in a Royal Canin manufacturing site globally. 

The new facility, spanning 450,000 square feet, will produce enough dry pet food to feed 4 million pets annually and create up to 270 new jobs over five years. 

In the US, Mars operates 37 factories in addition to veterinary clinics, labs and 14 global and regional offices. This investment is part of Mars’ larger $6 billion commitment 

Vietnamese Livestock, Shrimp and Pepper Associations Seeks Trade Solutions with US

On April 10, Vietnam and the US agreed to start negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, hours after Washington delayed imposing a 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports.

However, agri-food business associations in Vietnam remain concerned about the future of imported US goods. US exports to Vietnam were valued at $13.1 billion in 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

The US is a key supplier of soybeans, corn, DDGS, and pig breeds to Vietnam. Vietnamese farms import roughly 250 grandparent pigs annually

Shengnong Development to Acquire Full Ownership of Poultry Firm Sun Valley Food 

Shengnong Development, a Chinese poultry producer, has announced plans to acquire an additional 54% equity stake in Anhui Sun Valley Food Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. for CNY 1.1 billion (approximately USD 149.9 million). 

Following the completion of the transaction, Shengnong Development will hold 100% ownership of Sun Valley. 

Sun Valley and its three subsidiaries, Sun Valley Food (Anhui) Co., Ltd., Sun Valley Food (Chuzhou) Co., Ltd.,and Sun Valley Food (Mingguang) Co., Ltd., operate a fully integrated poultry supply chain.

PODCAST: "Agri-Food for Thought" Ep. 27 - VIV Asia, a Mirror of APAC Market Sentiment?

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

On today's episode of Agri-Food for Thought, we discuss market sentiment picked up at VIV Asia 2025, a leading trade show for the feed-to-food industry in Asia. Held from March 12-14 in Bangkok, the event drew top agri-food industry leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers from around the world. It was a showcase for innovation in animal protein production, processing, and...

ADM Inaugurates Pet Food Plant in Morelos, Mexico

ADM Animal Nutrition has inaugurated a wet pet food plant in the state of Morelos, Mexico.

ADM invested US$39 million in the facility, which strengthens its position among Mexico’s leading pet food manufacturers.

Julio Berdegué, Minister, Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), who attended the inauguration, said the new plant aligns with Plan México, promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum in collaboration with the private sector to enhance domestic production efficiency and competitiveness while reducing imports.