Meat & Poultry

Meat prices are on the rise, thanks largely to a double whammy last year of high costs and low demand. Wholesale beef prices are up about 15 percent from a year ago, said Bill McKinnon, executive director of the Virginia Beef Industry Council and executive secretary of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. …

Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc. one of the countrys most established processors of kosher chicken and turkey announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the Kosher Valley brand of kosher, antibiotic free (ABF) poultry from Hain Pure Protein Corporation in exchange for equity in Empire. …

Cincinnati-based Pierre Foods makes cooked beef, pork, chicken, turkey, peanut butter and bakery products will shutter its manufacturing plant in Rome, Ga., and cut 350 jobs. …

The consumption of lamb and goat is going up in the United States. Those who raise these small herbivores have a strong market that has been profitable for several years. The United States produces such a huge amount of beef, pork and poultry that the market for meat of this type pales in comparison. Why has it been so low for so long? …

As steaks and hamburger patties were packaged Wednesday at B&R Quality Meats on Park Road, owners Mark Ratkovich and Dennis Brennan said retail prices will increase and profits decrease to comply with tougher meat testing regulations suggested by the federal government. If the rules are implemented, it would cost them tens of thousands of dollars. …