Featured Stories
SME and NDIA Michigan Partner to Strengthen Michigan's Defense Manufacturing Ecosystem
SOUTHFIELD, Michigan, Aug. 27 -- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers issued the following news release:
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SME and NDIA Michigan Partner to Strengthen Michigan's Defense Manufacturing Ecosystem
Strategic partnership will advance technology adoption, workforce readiness and industry collaboration to support Michigan's defense industrial base.
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Michigan's defense manufacturers are navigating growing workforce, supply chain and technology challenges as defense requirements continue to evolve. To help address those needs, SME and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Michigan
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SOUTHFIELD, Michigan, Aug. 27 -- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers issued the following news release:
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SME and NDIA Michigan Partner to Strengthen Michigan's Defense Manufacturing Ecosystem
Strategic partnership will advance technology adoption, workforce readiness and industry collaboration to support Michigan's defense industrial base.
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Michigan's defense manufacturers are navigating growing workforce, supply chain and technology challenges as defense requirements continue to evolve. To help address those needs, SME and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Michiganhave formed a strategic partnership focused on strengthening the state's defense manufacturing ecosystem.
The partnership combines SME's expertise in advanced manufacturing and workforce development with NDIA Michigan's ability to convene leaders across industry, government and academia to address shared defense manufacturing challenges. Together, the organizations will focus on strengthening workforce readiness, accelerating technology adoption and advancing solutions that support Michigan's defense manufacturing community.
"The strength of our nation's defense industrial base depends on manufacturers having access to the technology, talent and collaboration they need to remain competitive and responsive to evolving defense needs," said Jeannine Kunz, SME executive director and CEO. "By bringing together SME's manufacturing expertise with NDIA Michigan's deep connections across the defense community, we are creating new opportunities to identify industry challenges, develop practical solutions and help manufacturers build the capabilities needed to support our nation's defense."
The partnership's first initiative launched at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), where SME and NDIA Michigan members co-hosted a Suppliers Roundtable & Workshop with manufacturers across Michigan's defense industrial base.
Participants identified challenges related to workforce shortages, supply chain resilience, production capacity, quality requirements and advanced manufacturing technologies. Those insights help guide future educational resources, industry engagement and outreach efforts designed to address the evolving needs of Michigan's defense manufacturers.
Looking ahead, SME and NDIA Michigan will collaborate on additional workshops, educational programs and research forums for congressional and DoD partners, helping manufacturers strengthen their capabilities while supporting the long-term growth of Michigan's defense industrial base.
"The convergence of defense capabilities and advanced manufacturing is no longer just an industrial objective; it is a national security imperative," said Jennifer Tisdale, NDIA Michigan Director of Strategic Partnerships. "Partnering NDIA Michigan with SME bridges defense strategy with manufacturing expertise and scale, ensuring that the innovative technologies designed to protect our nation can be built, scaled, and deployed rapidly right here in North America."
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About SME
Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.
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Original text here: https://www.sme.org/aboutsme/newsroom/press-releases/2026/sme-and-ndia-michigan-partner-to-strengthen-michigans-defense-manufacturing-ecosystem/
[Category: Business]
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society: Reform Act Seeks Common Sense for Appliance Energy Standards
ROLLING MEADOWS, Illinois, Aug. 27 -- The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society issued the following news:
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Reform Act Seeks Common Sense for Appliance Energy Standards
By Terry McIver
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, introduced the Energy Efficiency Reform Act of 2026, legislation to reform the Department of Energy's Appliance Standards Program.
DOE sets energy conservation standards for roughly 60 household and commercial products under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). However, Congress has not updated EPCA
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ROLLING MEADOWS, Illinois, Aug. 27 -- The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society issued the following news:
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Reform Act Seeks Common Sense for Appliance Energy Standards
By Terry McIver
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, introduced the Energy Efficiency Reform Act of 2026, legislation to reform the Department of Energy's Appliance Standards Program.
DOE sets energy conservation standards for roughly 60 household and commercial products under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). However, Congress has not updated EPCAsince 2007, when it expanded many of the efficiency requirements for covered products.
In recent years, manufacturers have raised concerns that DOE's efficiency requirements have raised appliance costs and yielded minimal savings for consumers.
"Climate alarmism turned ordinary appliances into political targets," said Chairman Lee. "Under the Biden administration, regulators repeatedly pursued standards that narrowed consumer choice without adequately accounting for performance or cost. The Energy Efficiency Reform Act changes that approach by requiring the government to prove that a new standard is achievable and economically justified before American families are required to live with the consequences."
"AGA applauds Chairman Lee's introduction of the Energy Efficiency Reform Act of 2026, critical legislation to return the Energy Policy and Conservation Act back to its original intent of ensuring fuel-neutral energy efficiency standards that improve energy efficiency without placing an undue cost burden on American families and small businesses," said American Gas Association President and CEO Karen Harbert. "For too long, EPCA has been manipulated to force changes that raise costs and eliminate options for cooking, clothes drying and heating. This bill rolls back harmful standards that would eliminate access to natural gas furnaces and water heaters while ensuring future efficiency standards focus on saving energy and money rather than playing politics and eliminating consumer choice."
If passed, The Energy Efficiency Reform Act of 2026 would:
1. Codify the Process Rule
The Process Rule governs how DOE conducts its analyses and determines whether new or revised standards are technologically feasible and economically justified.
The 2020 Process Rule made several changes intended to provide greater stability to manufacturers. The Biden administration rolled back many of those provisions in 2021 and 2024.
The bill requires DOE to finalize the proposed Process Rule released on July 7, 2026, within 270 days. If the Secretary fails to finalize the rule, the regulations would revert to the 2020 Process Rule.
2. Remove the six-year "lookback" requirement
Current law requires DOE to review product standards every six years to determine whether they should be updated.
In practice, DOE often takes so long to issue new standards that another review is required before manufacturers can implement them. DOE also regularly misses the statutory deadline and is then subjected to litigation.
The bill removes the six-year review requirement, while maintaining the ability of the public and industry to petition DOE for a new or amended standard. However, it raises the evidentiary standard for those petitions to ensure there is sufficient evidence that a standard should be increased or lowered.
3. Clarify the criteria for creating a product class.
DOE regulates covered products through product classes. These classes can affect consumer choice by eliminating features or prioritizing efficiency over performance.
The bill adds requirements and considerations DOE must meet before creating a new product class.
4. Strengthen federal preemption.
EPCA preempts state laws that set standards for covered products that are inconsistent with federal standards. However, some states have passed laws banning covered products based on their fuel source or imposing state standards where federal standards have been repealed.
The bill clarifies that states may not ban covered products based on their fuel source, emissions requirements, or impose their own standards in the absence of a current federal standard. In those cases, the previously issued federal standard would remain in effect.
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Original text here: https://rses.org/news/733854/Reform-Act-Seeks-Common-Sense-for-Appliance-Energy-Standards.htm
[Category: Engineering]
Guest Speakers, Hands-on Activities, and Scale Models Highlight Rest of 2026 EAA Aviation Museum Schedule
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Aug. 27 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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Guest speakers, hands-on activities, and scale models highlight rest of 2026 EAA Aviation Museum schedule
EAA members admitted free to most events
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The EAA Aviation Museum will feature a packed schedule of events to close out 2026 including an array of guest speakers and family friendly activities covering all aspects of aviation.
September:
* September 11: EAA Remembers 9/11: 25 years Later - Members of the FDNY and NYPD will take part in a special edition of the EAA's Museum's
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OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Aug. 27 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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Guest speakers, hands-on activities, and scale models highlight rest of 2026 EAA Aviation Museum schedule
EAA members admitted free to most events
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The EAA Aviation Museum will feature a packed schedule of events to close out 2026 including an array of guest speakers and family friendly activities covering all aspects of aviation.
September:
* September 11: EAA Remembers 9/11: 25 years Later - Members of the FDNY and NYPD will take part in a special edition of the EAA's Museum'smonthly Speaker Series where they will reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, and honor those who stood tall at a time when our country needed heroes.
* September 19: Roads and Runways - Classic and custom cars will be on display near Pioneer Airport as Roads and Runways makes its debut.
October:
* October 17: ScaleVenture - The fan-favorite scale model show returns after a hiatus of several years. The event will include unique displays, a swap meet, and a presentation from former F-14 Tomcat pilot Meagan Flannigan.
* October 24: Space Day - The museum's celebration of all things space will include hands-on activities and a special guest speaker to be named later.
November:
* November 19: Speaker Series - The final Speaker Series of 2026 features Cape Air pilot Dave Zarella sharing his experiences flying twin Cessnas across the East Coast.
December:
* December 5: Christmas in the Air - The free community open house spreads holiday cheer with activities and musical performances throughout the museum.
* December 11: Wright Brothers Memorial Banquet - (Event tickets required) The annual banquet honors the spirit and achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright through an inspiring presentation given by a special keynote speaker who will be named later.
More details on all museum events can be found at EAA.org/Museum. Speaker Series, Roads and Runways, ScaleVenture, and Space Day are sponsored by Alro Steel, Capital Credit Union, Community First Credit Union, Cozumel, Kwik Trip, Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists, Pilotsmith, Sargento, and The Taqueria.
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About EAA Aviation Museum
The EAA Aviation Museum is located just off Interstate 41 at the Highway 44 exit in Oshkosh. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EAA members receive free museum admission year-round. For more information, call the EAA Aviation Museum at (920) 426-4818 or visit www.EAA.org/museum.
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Original text here: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/eaa-news-releases/museum-events-q4-2026
[Category: Aerospace]
ENA Launches Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course, 7th Edition
SCHAUMBURG, Illinois, Aug. 27 -- The Emergency Nurses Association issued the following news:
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ENA Launches Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course, 7th Edition
Pediatric readiness strategies, chapter on shock, more new topics included
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Many emergency nurses feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar with caring for pediatric patients - but the vast majority of children taken to an emergency department arrive at a community hospital, not a children's hospital.
For all emergency nurses who want to be ready for these youngest patients, the Emergency Nurses Association has just launched the Emergency
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SCHAUMBURG, Illinois, Aug. 27 -- The Emergency Nurses Association issued the following news:
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ENA Launches Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course, 7th Edition
Pediatric readiness strategies, chapter on shock, more new topics included
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Many emergency nurses feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar with caring for pediatric patients - but the vast majority of children taken to an emergency department arrive at a community hospital, not a children's hospital.
For all emergency nurses who want to be ready for these youngest patients, the Emergency Nurses Association has just launched the EmergencyNursing Pediatric Course, 7th Edition.
"Children's emergencies require specialized knowledge and skills. ENPC helps ensure nurses have the confidence and expertise to deliver the right care at the right time, so every child has access to high-quality emergency care regardless of where they live," said ENA President Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, NEA-BC. "Nurses who earn an ENPC verification are better equipped to recognize, assess and respond to the unique needs of children experiencing medical emergencies."
ENPC, first introduced in 1993, teaches core knowledge and skills for properly assessing and delivering interventions that improve outcomes for this high-risk patient population. New features in this edition include:
* The addition of "The Child in Shock" chapter
* New topics such as tuberculosis, brief resolved unexplained events and heat and cold emergencies
* A restructure of the "Children Around the World" chapter
* A new assessment and intervention tool
* Practical pediatric readiness strategies incorporated throughout
Nurses who successfully complete the course earn a four-year verification and 19 CEs. For more information about the course and to find current offerings, visit www.ena.org/ENPC.
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The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With 40,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.
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Original text here: https://www.ena.org/news-publications/newsroom/ena-launches-emergency-nursing-pediatric-course-7th-edition
[Category: Nursing]
Air Line Pilots Association International: Alaska-Hawaiian Pilots to Management - It's Time to Reach an Agreement
MCLEAN, Virginia, Aug. 27 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Alaska-Hawaiian Pilots to Management: It's Time to Reach an Agreement
Seattle, Wash. -- Today, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), called on airline management to finish negotiating the agreement meant to combine both pilot groups under one contract. Negotiations for a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) began 18 months ago, and while management continues to report achieving merger
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MCLEAN, Virginia, Aug. 27 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Alaska-Hawaiian Pilots to Management: It's Time to Reach an Agreement
Seattle, Wash. -- Today, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), called on airline management to finish negotiating the agreement meant to combine both pilot groups under one contract. Negotiations for a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) began 18 months ago, and while management continues to report achieving merger"synergies ahead of plan," progress has slowed.
Despite reaching nearly every major corporate and regulatory requirement to combine Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, management has demonstrated a reluctance to close the gap on key priorities shared by both pilot groups. Addressing those issues is vital to achieving a fair agreement and ensuring that Alaska-Hawaiian pilots do not fall behind industry standards.
"Management has shown that they can move quickly when merger priorities are on the line," said Capt. Drew Coyle, chair of the Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC). "We are a year and a half into these negotiations. Securing our agreement is a critical component to the success of this merger."
"It's time for management to engage with us seriously and resolve the remaining open issues," said Capt. Larry Payne, chair of the Hawaiian Airlines MEC. "Both pilot groups are committed to achieving an agreement that recognizes their share in the combined airline's future. It's time that the company stops stalling and finalizes the agreement."
The Joint Negotiating Committee is scheduled to return to the bargaining table on Labor Day, September 7. Pilots expect management to acknowledge the pilots' importance to the success of the operation by closing the remaining gaps at the bargaining table.
For more details on the merger visit: alahal.alpa.org
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Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.
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Original text here: https://www.alpa.org/press-room/2026/08/alaska-hawaiian-pilots-to-management-its-time-to-reach-an-agreement
[Category: Transportation]
ALTA and AARP Applaud Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for Action Against MV Realty
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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ALTA and AARP Applaud Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for Action Against MV Realty
The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, and AARP today commended Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for taking legal action against MV Realty over its Homeowner Benefit Program and long-term agreements with Arizona homeowners.
The Arizona Attorney General's Office filed a lawsuit against MV Realty of Arizona, LLC, related
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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ALTA and AARP Applaud Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for Action Against MV Realty
The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, and AARP today commended Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for taking legal action against MV Realty over its Homeowner Benefit Program and long-term agreements with Arizona homeowners.
The Arizona Attorney General's Office filed a lawsuit against MV Realty of Arizona, LLC, relatedentities and several corporate officers. According to the Attorney General's complaint, MV Realty allegedly operated a predatory scheme that offered upfront cash payments to financially vulnerable homeowners in exchange for the exclusive right to serve as their listing agent if they later sold their homes.
"Homeowners should have the freedom to make decisions about their property without long-term agreements creating barriers to a future sale, refinance or transfer," said Caroline Cone, director of state government affairs, ALTA. "We appreciate Attorney General Mayes for taking action on behalf of Arizona homeowners and their property rights. A home is often a family's most important asset, and preserving clear title and a homeowner's ability to freely transfer their property is fundamental to homeownership."
The Attorney General's complaint alleges MV Realty misrepresented or failed to adequately disclose important terms of its Homeowner Benefit Program, including the 40-year duration of the agreement, that it could bind a homeowner's heirs and circumstances that could trigger an early termination fee. The complaint further alleges that MV Realty recorded memorandums in homeowners' property records that could interfere with their ability to sell or transfer their property, refinance their mortgage or obtain a home equity loan unless they paid substantial early termination fees.
"Long-term real estate agreements can have consequences that extend far beyond the initial transaction, affecting a homeowner's equity and financial security for years," said Jenn Jones, vice president of financial security and livable communities, government affairs, AARP. "AARP supports strong consumer protections and accountability when deceptive practices are alleged. We will continue working with ALTA, state leaders and consumer advocates across the country to protect homeowners from harmful real estate agreements."
According to the Attorney General's Office, the complaint also alleges MV Realty aggressively marketed the program through online, telephone and digital advertising, including telemarketing to consumers registered on the National Do Not Call Registry. The complaint alleges MV Realty did not adequately disclose the nature and terms of the agreements.
"For Arizona homeowners, their home represents not only a place to live but often decades of savings and financial security," said Dana Marie Kennedy, AARP Arizona state director. "Attorney General Mayes's action underscores the importance of protecting that hard-earned equity and ensuring Arizona consumers are treated fairly in agreements involving their homes."
The lawsuit seeks civil penalties, restitution and injunctive relief, including the termination of memorandums recorded against Arizona homeowners' properties.
ALTA, AARP and state land title associations have worked with policymakers across the country to address long-term real estate agreements commonly referred to as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services, or NTRAPS. These agreements can create long-term restrictions or financial obligations connected to a homeowner's property and can complicate future sales, refinances or transfers.
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About ALTA
The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, represents an industry comprised of more than 17,000 title insurance companies operating across the nation, with over 90% being small businesses.
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Original text here: https://www.alta.org/news-and-publications/press-release/ALTA-and-AARP-Applaud-Arizona-Attorney-General-Kris-Mayes-for-Action-Against-MV-Realty-
[Category: Real Estate]
AFBF Analyzes Potential Beef Import Impacts: Urges President Trump to Reconsider
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 27 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release:
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AFBF Analyzes Potential Beef Import Impacts: Urges President Trump to Reconsider
The President's plan to facilitate record imports of beef will have a significant impact on farmers and ranchers who are rebuilding their herds devastated by drought.
American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the potential consequences of increased imports in the latest Farm Bureau Intel. Also today, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider his
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 27 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release:
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AFBF Analyzes Potential Beef Import Impacts: Urges President Trump to Reconsider
The President's plan to facilitate record imports of beef will have a significant impact on farmers and ranchers who are rebuilding their herds devastated by drought.
American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the potential consequences of increased imports in the latest Farm Bureau Intel. Also today, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider hisplan to flood the market with foreign beef.
President Trump announced last week that he plans to import up to 300,000 metric tons of beef over a 90-day period in an attempt to ease record-high ground beef prices. But the timing could work against ranchers who are deciding whether to expand their herds. It's estimated that 70% of spring-born calves are sold between September and November, which fall within the increased import window. A glut of foreign raised beef could drive down prices paid to ranchers at a time when critical farm business decisions are made.
Falling prices paid to farmers would be the latest blow to a sector that just recently began a fragile recovery. AFBF economists write, "The reason for the historically small beef cow herd is multifaceted. First, drought conditions across much of the U.S. has forced ranchers to liquidate cattle or put cattle on feed because of the lack of homegrown forage. Second, according to USDA's Economic Research Service's cost and return data, input costs for cow-calf producers, i.e., ranchers who maintain a herd of beef cows for breeding purposes, reached a record high of $1,762 per head in 2025. Nearly every line item for cow-calf operators is more expensive today than ever before. Since 2020, prior to the most recent inflationary environment, production costs are up more than $400 per head, or nearly 30%."
In his letter to President Trump, Mr. Duvall wrote, "A key tenant of your reelection campaign was affordability, including the costs of essentials like groceries and gas. Bringing down the price of cattle will not bring the price of beef down for American families. Instead, it will discourage American farmers and ranchers from making long-term investments in herd rebuilding, extending the cycle of tight cattle supplies, high production costs and elevated beef prices for consumers. To put it simply, allowing 300,000 metric tons--equivalent to more than 660 million pounds--of foreign beef into the United States at a 25% discount 'below market prices' will undermine America's ranchers who work tirelessly to grow food for American families."
America currently has the lowest beef cow inventory in more than 50 years.
To read the Farm Bureau Intel, click here (https://www.fb.org/intel/markets/imports-will-discourage-americas-beef-recovery).
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INFODOC: https://www.fb.org/files/PZD-Letter-to-White-House-Beef-Imports-8.26.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.fb.org/news-release/afbf-analyzes-potential-beef-import-impacts-urges-president-trump-to-reconsider
[Category: Agriculture]
