Vilsack Takes the Helm at World Food Prize: Impact of Declining Egg Production Explored – Insights from AG Information Network

Vilsack Takes the Helm at the World Food Prize

Tom Vilsack, the former U.S. Agriculture Secretary, will start as the new CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation on March 1st. His experience in leadership and diplomacy is expected to strengthen the Foundation’s role in tackling food security and promoting sustainable agriculture worldwide.

In this position, Vilsack aims to expand the Foundation’s global outreach, helping to address growing concerns about food insecurity across different nations.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, the political climate is shifting. The President was arrested following a brief period of martial law and is now facing impeachment. Despite the turmoil affecting the country’s currency, demand for U.S. red meat remains strong.

South Korea leads in the value of U.S. beef exports, with figures surpassing $2 billion since November, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Additionally, U.S. pork exports to South Korea rose by an impressive 21%.

On another note, egg production in the U.S. showed a decline in December, totaling 9.12 billion eggs, which is a 3% drop compared to 2023. This production included 7.83 billion table eggs and 1.29 billion hatching eggs.

The average number of egg-laying hens saw a decrease to 373 million in December, a 3% reduction. The production rate was 2,448 eggs per 100 layers, down 1% from the same month last year. By January 1st, the total count of egg-laying hens was at 369 million, reflecting a 2% drop from the previous year.