News & Updates

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announces that it is cancelling approximately $766 million in funding to Moderna regarding its human H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. The previous Biden administration had awarded Moderna $590 million in January for a bird flu vaccine. This is in addition to about $176 million last year from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the development and testing of a mRNA pre-pandemic bird flu ... read more

COSTA MESA, Calif. — El Pollo Loco announces a comprehensive brand refresh for this year’s 50th anniversary. The company is leaning into its passion for Fire-Grilled Chicken and is introducing a fresh look while continuing its legacy of serving convenient and quality food options to guests, officials noted. El Pollo Loco has been transparent about its vision for a three-year brand turnaround, which began when CEO Liz Williams took the ... read more

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services terminated the investment, calling mRNA technology “under-tested” and citing “safety concerns.” ... read more

More than 12,000 birds are lost in the nation's first outbreak of the disease since 1993. ... read more

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GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Delmarva Chicken Association has granted scholarships totaling $23,500 to 12 students pursuing college and graduate studies connected to careers in Delmarva’s chicken industry through the DCA College Scholarship Program. Ten of the recipients are enrolled in undergraduate programs and received $2,000 scholarships, and an 11th undergraduate student received a “pick of the flock” $500 scholarship. A graduate student was also awarded a $3,000 scholarship. “By ... read more

Success of Lincoln Premium Poultry and Hendrix Genetics operations has the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska hoping for further in-state sector growth. ... read more

For the second time in eight days, a commercial egg laying flock in Maricopa County, Arizona, has been hit by the virus. ... read more

Editor Elizabeth Doughman talks to Tommy Powell, eastern technical field representative at MGK, about bed bug control in poultry operations. ... read more

NEW YORK — Rabobank releases its annual BBQ Index just in time for grilling season. Rabobank's analyst findings outline that the cherished summer ritual might be a welcome respite from tariffs and trade wars — prices are up, but mostly domestic supply chains mean mostly domestic reasons for those increases. The Rabobank BBQ Index assumes an average American BBQ situation — a mix of family and friends — ahead of ... read more

WASHINGTON — USDA announces investment in a fruit fly production facility in Mexico to help combat the New World Screwworm (NWS). “Our partnership with Mexico is crucial in making this effort a success,” Brooke Rollins, U.S. agriculture secretary, said. “We are continuing to work closely with Mexico to push NWS away from the United States and out of Mexico. The investment I am announcing today is one of many efforts ... read more

TUCKER, Ga. — Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) manifests as acute infectious hepatitis and causes a significant drop in egg production of up to 35 percent, with a mortality rate as high as 15 percent. Even after recovery from SLD, egg production of layers could remain depressed by up to 22 percent compared to pre-outbreak levels. Due to the great economic losses incurred by SLD, it has become an important concern ... read more

Authorities say the facility was evacuated, but “everything is OK.” ... read more

DENVER — Ongoing uncertainty about the direction of international trade policy is clouding the outlook for U.S. grain elevators and merchandisers, CoBank analysts note, adding that the lack of clarity surrounding tariffs with key U.S. trading partners like China has pulled new-crop sales well below historical averages. Many foreign buyers have reduced forward coverage and are buying in the spot market, complicating the picture for elevators and merchandisers that are ... read more

Four workers at the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Waterloo, Iowa, died after testing positive for COVID-19. ... read more