Hacking Outfit Linked to Russia Is Behind Meat Producer JBS Cyberattack, Sources Say
A notorious Russia-linked hacking group is behind the cyberattack against JBS SA, according to four people familiar with the assault who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. The cyber gang goes by the name REvil or Sodinokibi.
While it’s unclear if all of REvil’s hackers operate in Russia, the group’s public face, a user on the dark web cybercrime forum XSS who goes by the name “Unknown,” exclusively publishes in Russian. REvil typically uses a darkweb blog called “Happy Blog” to name victims when they decline to engage in ransom negotiations. REvil has yet to post a blog item dedicated to JBS.
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White House Slams Russia Over Ransomware Attack on JBS
President Biden will meet President Vladimir Putin as planned on June 16 “as a vital part of defending America’s interests,” said a White House spokeswoman on Tuesday, after holding Russia culpable for the ransomware attack that crippled meatpacker JBS. “The White House is engaging directly with the Russian government on this matter and delivering the message that responsible states do not harbor ransomware criminals.”
JBS, the world’s largest meat processor, was hit by the attack in North America and Australia, but it said “the vast majority of our beef, pork, poultry, and prepared foods plants will be operational” on Wednesday, given the progress of its cyber-security teams. “Our systems are coming back online, and we are not sparing any resources to fight this threat,” said Andre Nogueira, chief executive of JBS USA.
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Registration now open for 2021 Cattle Industry Convention
The annual Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show brings together cattlemen and women from across the country for education, entertainment, and excitement. This year the importance of gathering in person is even more evident after the uncertainties in 2020. It is time to “Tune in to Tennessee” Aug. 10 to 12, 2021, for a convention filled with activities for the entire family.
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Perspective: COVID-19 and the False Blame on Animal Ag
The Hill released an article on May 24 reporting that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, backs an investigation into the virology lab in Wuhan, China, to explore the origins of the COVID-19 virus. Fauci went so far as to say he is “not convinced” the virus was a natural occurrence and that he would like a thorough investigation into it.
This transformation is a 180-degree turn from March 2020, when scientists concluded that it was “improbable” that the coronavirus, specifically SARS-CoV-2, was created through manipulation in a lab. Since then, however, the public has learned that three researchers at a Wuhan lab fell sick in the fall of 2019. Biden, too, has been prompted to ask the intelligence community to “redouble” its investigatory efforts into the virus’s origins.
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May Cattle on Feed Report Shows Inventory Up, Placements Higher Than Expected
USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed report, released May 21, shows the number of animals on feed as of May 1 is 4.7% above year-ago levels. The report provides monthly estimates of the number of cattle being fed for slaughter. For the report, USDA surveys feedlots of 1,000 head or more, as this represents 85% of all fed cattle. Cattle feeders provide data on inventory, placements, marketings and other disappearance. It is important to remember that due to COVID-19 disruptions last year, typical year-over-year comparisons need to be contextualized.
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NAHMS Swine 2021 Small Enterprise Study
From May 2021 through July 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), in collaboration with the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), will conduct its third national study of U.S. small enterprise swine operations.
The study will take an in-depth look at small enterprise swine operations (fewer than 1,000 pigs) and provide new information regarding animal health and management practices used on these operations, as well as the alternative marketing strategies they implement.
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East Feliciana Parish Man Arrested In Tangipahoa Parish For Stolen Livestock
An East Feliciana Parish man is behind bars accused of stealing 11 head of cattle from a livestock market in Tangipahoa Parish.
Thirty-three year old Eric D. Banford, 3768 Richmond Drive, Ethel, La., turned himself in to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Friday morning following an investigation by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF’s) Brand Commission.
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Cow Country Reporter, May 2021
FINALLY! CPL had its first information meeting in 14 months at Elm Park Plantation, St. Francisville on April 22, 2021 and we had 50 people in attendance. We also have scheduled a meeting in cooperation with the Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (LGLCI) at Jim Paul Dupont’s ranch in Ragley, LA on May 27 at 6:00, you can contact me for more information.
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