US beef exports to Colombia surged in 2025 amid removal of restrictions tied to avian influenza concerns in US dairy herds
War surcharges, vessels waiting offshore and port access issues are raising costs and complicating global beef trade flows
With US cattle numbers near multi-decade lows, imports are projected to rise up to 3% this year
Cargill will shutter its Milwaukee ground beef facility by late May, eliminating 221 jobs as tight cattle supplies continue to pressure packer margins. The move follows other industry pullbacks as historically low herd numbers constrain throughput
From screwworm threats near the southern border to shifting global poultry trade, producers are heading into 2026 with elevated risk and tighter margins
New federal nutrition guidance embraces protein and healthy fats, reshaping school meals, SNAP and other funded food programs
Weather risks and shifting global trade policies keep pressure on poultry, cattle and hog outlook
Livestock analyst Jim Wyckoff reports on global protein news
21 March 2026
19
minute read
