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Russia Moves to Ban Beef, Pork from U.S. and Canada

Use of Ractopamine in Feed Prompts Russia to Ban Beef and Pork Exports

By , Farms.com

Russia says that it plans to ban beef and pork imports from the U.S and Canada over the use of ractopamine, which is sometimes used as a feed additive. Ractopamine is a steroid that helps aid in weight gain and muscle growth. The ban will only apply to chilled meat imports. Last year, along with several other EU countries, Russia banned the use of ractopamine domestically. The ban is scheduled to be implemented as early as February 4, 2013.


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What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?


?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.