Meat & Poultry

The Hillshire Brands Company announced that Dennis (Denny) Belcastro will become vice president, government and industry affairs. Belcastro will develop and implement the company’s engagement strategy with federal, state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies and key policymakers in addition to managing strategic customer and industry events. He will join the company on July 30, 2012. …

Jennie-O Turkey Store plants in Willmar donated $10,000 to fight hunger in the Willmar community. “On behalf of the Willmar plants, we are proud to help the United Way of West Central Minnesota’s Growmobile Program continue to fight hunger in Willmar,” said Jim Schammel, plant manager at the Willmar Avenue Plant, in a news release. …

In the summer months, getting a delicious dinner on the table is still a priority — but spending hours over a hot stove definitely isn't. Home cooks seeking flavorful meals that require minimal effort and time in the kitchen should look no further than pulled pork, the ultimate summer meal solution. And with the help of another kitchen ally, the slow cooker, pulled pork is a surprisingly easy preparation that cooks can simply walk away from, with the confidence that a delicious meal will be as good as ready when they return. …

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today applauded the adoption of a new standard for ractopamine levels by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), a United Nations body that sets international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. The standard is expected to facilitate trade and create new export opportunities for Canadian beef and pork producers. …

Move over hot dogs and brats, chicken sausage is gaining ground. Take a look around the supermarket and you'll find more brands of chicken sausage as an alternative to pork-based sausages. The National Chicken Council says sausage is the fastest growing chicken product. And it's showing no sign of slowing.

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