Top Stories
Heavier cattle weights bring bonuses and challenges at marketing time
As everyone knows by now, the total number of cattle in the U.S. herd is historically low. One of the ways that the low supply is being compensated for to meet the high demand for beef is by keeping cattle on feed longer and feeding them to heavier finishing weights. Dr. Derrell Peel, the extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, says those heavier weights are having an impact. There are also downsides to feeding cattle to heavier weights, including additional...
U.S. Export Sales Report (11-21-24)
While global demand looks like it might start to shift soon, the USDA released another positive export sales report this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. Flash sales were predicted to potentially fall off, but McBride...
Ag experts agree new farm bill not likely until new Congress
Ag experts agree that a new farm bill is now unlikely until next year when the new Congress is in session. Leadership elections have been held in Congress, but lawmakers have a lot of non-farm bill related work left to complete including the annual defense bill. John...
AFBF Thanksgiving survey shows dinner cost declined from 2023
Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner this year for friends and family will cost less than last year but is still more expensive than before COVID-19. The 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey shows the cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for ten people is $58.08 or...
Talking with the EPA Part 2
Yesterday, we started a conversation with Venus Welch-White, Acting Director of the EPA Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OARA). We talked about the Endangered Species Act, the power of the courts with the EPA, and more. Today we will continue that conversation...
Liver flukes are a growing problem for cattle producers
Previously only an issue for cattle producers in the wet regions of the Gulf and Pacific coasts, liver flukes have become a growing problem for producers across the country. David Shirbroun, professional services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim, said liver...
Previewing the November USDA Cattle on Feed report
USDA will publish the November Cattle on Feed report on Friday November 22nd at 2pm central time. The monthly report offers data on the number of cattle on feed, placements in feedlots, and marketings. At this point in 2024 many analysts had expected to see the number...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-18-25)
As harvest progresses in South America, the weather is looking to be mostly supportive. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns in Brazil and Argentina. The rainy trend continues into the longer-term forecast. McBride said...
Trump administration tariffs facing global backlash
Canada and the European Union are implementing a ‘dollar-for-dollar’ approach, placing 25 per cent tariffs on US imports. These counter-measures immediately followed tariffs leveled against all foreign steel and aluminum product-imports by the Trump...
Dairy economics remain solid, for now
There are numerous hurdles for U.S. ag producers to navigate in 2025. The back and forth between the United States and trade partners over tariffs, and lower commodity prices while input costs remain high. Despite the uncertainty and headwinds for the ag industry,...
All U.S. pork facilities reinstated to export to China
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is pleased to announce successful efforts to renew registrations of all 300+ U.S. pork harvesting and cold storage facilities eligible to export to China. “U.S. pork producers now have maintained access and increased...
Upgrade your equipment, maximize your profits
Farmers need every advantage they can get in times of thin profit margins, and that starts with precision planting equipment. John Deere’s advanced technology ensures accurate seed placement and optimal spacing, maximizing yield potential from the very start....
