The Retail Rundown: A Season of Plenty, Except for Turkey

For retailers, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of plenty. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects November and December sales to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, underscoring consumers’ continued spending power.

“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.

While foodservice outlets are poised to capture consumer traffic on hectic days, retail prepared foods and frozen entrées are well-positioned to compete for at-home dining occasions as shoppers seek convenient, time-saving meal solutions...

Farm Bureau Applauds Progress to End Shutdown

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the Senate vote to end the government shutdown and urged the House to act quickly.

"Farm Bureau commends the Senate for voting to end the government shutdown, ensuring that farmers and ranchers can continue to rely on critical USDA services and disaster relief to keep their farms running and also ensure Americans maintain access to food assistance programs...

The Retail Rundown: Turkey Promotions Climb as Holiday Demand Takes Hold

Turkey ads now make up nearly 4% of protein features this week and are on pace to capture a larger share next week as seasonal demand gathers momentum. Beef holds 23.8% of ad space, pork accounts for 22.8%, and chicken eased to 19%—down one point from last week. Eggs have 3% of this week’s buying opportunities, up one point compared to the week prior.

Within the turkey category, ads for frozen whole birds and fresh or frozen parts are evenly split, each accounting for 28% of turkey features...

CME Feeder Cattle Plunge Further, Hit Expanded Daily Limits

The cattle complex on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is deepening its steep losses in early Monday trading, extending Friday’s sharp sell-off that saw all but the nearby live cattle contract end at limit-down.

As of 9:50 a.m. ET, live cattle futures are sliding between $4.00 and $7.70, while most feeder contracts are hitting the expanded daily limit.

Both live ($10.75) and feeder cattle ($13.75) futures will trade under expanded limits today.

The recent downturn likely reflects long liquidation across both live and feeder futures markets as traders digest a range of developments, including the Trump administration’s plan to increase imports...

NTF Statement on the Government Shutdown

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) released the following statement on the United States government shutdown: 

“Mexico and Canada are key export markets for the U.S. turkey industry. The USMCA will help to ensure that America’s turkey growers and processors have fair access to these markets and takes important steps to stabilize the U.S.’s trade relationship with our neighbors. The agreement will result in a 29 percent increase in U.S. exports to Canada. Robust export markets are vital in growing the turkey industry. When given the chance to compete head-to-head on price and quality, U.S. turkey producers have shown their ability to respond in providing the world with wholesome, delicious turkey...

TGI Fridays Supports TSA and Air Traffic Control Workers with Complimentary Meals During Shutdown

TGI Fridays is dedicated to providing nutritious meals to TSA and air traffic control workers during the temporary government shutdown.

Eligible employees with, valid ID, can enjoy a complimentary meal per day from October 9 to October 23, while supplies last, or until the shutdown is lifted, from a specially curated menu. 

The menu features favorites like the Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries, Crispy or Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries, or Chicken Caesar Salad. This offer is valid at all locations...

NCC Urges Government to Keep the Lights On

The National Chicken Council (NCC) today released the following statement regarding ongoing Congressional budget negotiations:

“Following House passage, NCC today is urging the Senate to follow-suit and pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would prevent the government from shutting down,” said NCC spokesperson Tom Super. “Businesses need certainty and the President signing a CR would help provide it...

Cattlemen Thank House for Passage of Continuing Resolution

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement thanking the House of Representatives for advancing a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown:

“We commend the House for passing the continuing resolution. America’s hardworking farmers and ranchers need predictability and stability from government, and House leadership is leading the charge to do just that. We encourage the Senate to follow suit and ensure that this continuing resolution reaches the President’s desk as soon as possible...

Potential Impact of a Government Shutdown on USDA Reports

With a potential government shutdown looming, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data on livestock and meat markets, along with numerous other reports and statistics, may become unavailable until further notice.

As Congress races to reach an agreement before the midnight deadline to avoid a shutdown, industry stakeholders are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining access to unbiased market intelligence to operate effectively. 

In the event of a shutdown, USDA food inspectors and federal animal care workers will remain on duty, but most other federal employees will not be at work...