More bird flu cases: The California Department of Public Health said it was notified on Thursday of “two additional possible human cases, also in the Central Valley,” of people with bird flu. The CDC has confirmed four human cases in the state, all among farmworkers. (CDPH)
USDA-backed processor fails: Minnesota-based Pure Prairie Poultry is the first company to shut down after getting aid from a USDA grant and loan program created to expand independent U.S. meat processing capacity. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Food inflation ticks up: The food inflation rate rose to 2.3 percent on an annualized basis in September, a modest increase of 0.2 percent from August but the highest rate since 2.6 percent in January. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Ag trade deficit update: With one month left in fiscal 2024, the U.S. agricultural trade deficit has reached $27.5 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture. (USDA)
McDonald’s lawsuit raises the stakes: With its lawsuit accusing four major meatpackers of colluding to limit beef supplies, fast-food giant McDonald’s has ratcheted up a years-long battle over transparency in the meat industry, said a business law professor. (Quartz)