Meat & Poultry

CME live cattle ended narrowly mixed on Wednesday, with uneasiness about futures' premium to last week's cash cattle prices eroding morning gains fueled by the U.S. fiscal deal, analysts and traders said. The price for wholesale choice beef Wednesday morning was $194.01 per cwt, down 14 cents from Monday, and select cuts jumped $1.40 to $182.45, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. …

Greenfield Farms Food, Inc. announced that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to acquire 100% of the equity interest in Ohio-based Carmela's Pizzeria.  Carmela's presently has three Dayton, Ohio area locations offering authentic New York style pizza..  In addition, Carmela's offers a full service menu for Dine In, Carry out and Delivery as well as pizza buffets in select stores.  Visit the Carmela's website at: www.carmelasohio.com. …

Smithfield Foods Inc. announced Thursday that 38 percent of pregnant sows on its company-owned farms have been transferred to “group housing.” The remaining 62 percent are in “gestation stalls,” a form of housing criticized by animal-rights groups as too confining and unhealthy for animals. …

Butterball, LLC announced that it has acquired Gusto Packing Co., located in Montgomery, Ill. Gusto Packing Co. is a family owned and operated business that offers six basic product lines; Hickory & Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Bone-In Smoked Pork & Turkey Products, Smoked Boneless Hams, Cooked Hams, Pork & Turkey Deli Meats and Spiral Sliced Hams. …

Six countries have banned imports of Brazilian beef, including No. 6 importer Chile, since a case of atypical mad cow disease was confirmed last month, Brazil's foreign trade secretary Tatiana Prazeres said on Wednesda …