The National Provisioner

06/05/2026

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a Small Processors Action Plan and opened applications for the latest round of Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program funding.

The action plan aims to improve customer service, clarify requirements and streamline interactions between USDA and small meat and poultry processors. Separately, USDA is making $60 million available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to help eligible processors expand capacity.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x37Mm

Action plan targets regulatory clarity, customer service improvements and easier navigation of USDA requirements.

06/05/2026

How are value-added protein products helping foodservice operators navigate ongoing labor shortages while maintaining menu variety?

In this interview, Sean Wheaton, vice president of culinary services at Cuisine Solutions, shares insights on consumer demand for meat, trends driving product development and the growing role of prepared protein solutions in foodservice.

Watch the video here: https://brnw.ch/21x37uU

New product development for foodservice proteins aims to mitigate staffing challenges while enabling menu variety.

06/04/2026

Rancher’s Premium entered the refrigerated sausage category in 2024 with a focus on barbecue-inspired flavors and traditional smoking techniques.

In this interview, Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Rancher's Premium Smokehouse, discusses the brand's growth strategy, consumer flavor preferences, retail expansion efforts and the role authenticity plays in product development.

Read the full story here: https://brnw.ch/21x35SF


Photos courtesy of Rancher's Premium Smokehouse

06/04/2026

USDA confirmed detection of a New World screwworm in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. To date, there have been no further detections.

USDA and Texas officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the United States, following the strategies and actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook.

USDA emphasizes that the US food supply is safe.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x35Ge


Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS

06/03/2026

A new campaign from Save A Lot showcases fresh meat cut in store by butchers.

Since Save A Lot locations do not typically have meat counters, the Fresh Cut Meat campaign aims to raise consumer awareness of the retailer's fresh-cut meat offerings.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x347J


Photo: Pixabay

06/03/2026

After untreated feed mixing slabs failed within six months, Silver Creek Angus installed Penetron Admix-treated concrete platforms that remain in daily use more than five years later. The project demonstrates how infrastructure investments can improve durability and reduce maintenance demands in cattle operations.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x33LI


Photo courtesy of The Penetron Group

06/02/2026

Donnie King is set to retire after a 43-year career with Tyson Foods. Following a transition period beginning in July of this year, Jeff Schomburger will take over the role of president and CEO of Tyson Foods in October.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x31Nn

Jeff Schomburger takes over the role of president and CEO of Tyson Foods in October 2026.

06/01/2026

💡 Validated thermal lethality data and a new tool for ensuring safety of RTE meats

A recent peer-reviewed study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison aims to help processors understand where traditional assumptions about thermal processing hold firm and where additional scrutiny may be warranted.

Read more about the study: https://brnw.ch/21x30no


Photo credit: Getty Images: bit245

06/01/2026

Last week, the USDA' ARS opened the Knipling-Bushland US Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas. The new 52,000‑square‑foot laboratory features advanced cattle facilities, laboratory spaces and a genomics core to drive research on control technologies for the US livestock industry.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x3026


Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture

05/31/2026

Panda Express is introducing brisket to its menu for the first time with Cantonese BBQ Brisket. The new offering pairs traditional American brisket with the flavors of char siu, a Cantonese barbecue dish.

Additionally, the Cantonese BBQ Brisket uses both parts of the brisket: the point and the flat.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x2YxI


Photos: Panda Express