All JBS facilities set to resume meat packing

All facilities of Brazil-based meat processor JBS, the world's largest, are on schedule to resume full operations today following a cyberattack on its North American and Australian systems.

The cyberattack to its computer systems took place on 30 May and immediate action was taken to suspend affected systems. As of yesterday, JBS said the vast majority of its operations had resumed, with all expected to be in production today.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has encouraged other meat processors to bring on additional capacity to keep supplies moving. Poultry slaughter numbers so far this week are higher than last while cattle and hog slaughter volumes are recovering through the week, the USDA said, adding that lasting effects to wholesale and retail prices are not expected.

Federally inspected daily slaughter of cattle and calves was at 121,000 head as of today, up from 106,000 head yesterday and 95,000 head on 1 June, according to USDA daily data. There were 470,000 hogs slaughtered today, up from 439,000 head yesterday and 390,000 head on 1 June.

Prices in the rendered fats markets have remained steady this week with the market in a wait-and-see mode and market sources saying it would take multiple days of disruptions to lead to an increase in prices. Rendered fats are used as animal feed and as feedstock for renewable biofuels such as biodiesel and renewable diesel.

By Jena Göbel