Top Stories
Food and agriculture generate 20 percent of all U.S. economic activity
Every year, the Feeding the Economy report provides a comprehensive look at the full economic footprint of U.S. food and agriculture. Among the report’s biggest takeaways is that food and agriculture support $10.4 trillion in total U.S. economic output, representing about 20 percent of all economic activity. The sector supports almost 29 million jobs, or roughly 30 percent of total U.S. employment, even though on-farm jobs account for less than two percent. Food and agriculture generate over...
AFBF urges Congress to act on farm economy struggles
The farm economy continues to struggle in 2026, and farm groups are calling on Congress to act. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said many farmers are underwater financially. Glenn said farmers and ranchers are...
Healthy Milk for Kids Act may add $2 billion in dairy demand
The signing of the Healthy Milk for Kids Act by President Trump last week marks a significant change in federal school nutrition policy, restoring whole and two percent milk as options in school meal programs. Supporters say the move aligns federal guidelines with...
USMEF aiding response to Mexico’s anti-dumping probe
Mexico in December launched an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation on pork hams and shoulders. According to U.S Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror, USMEF is assisting exporters in providing information to Mexican...
Tariff ruling could have big implications for agriculture
A decision from the Supreme Court is expected any day regarding the legality of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, and that decision could have immense implications. Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist for StoneX Group, said the Trump Administration does...
Breaking down the numbers in USDA’s January meat outlook
USDA recently issued its first projections this year for meat production and prices. For the most part, increased production and price forecasts for the prior month are on display in the USDA January meat outlook. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark...
Brazil passes U.S. as top beef producer
Market estimates show that Brazil surpassed the U.S. as the world’s number one beef producer in 2025. Reuters said that happened after Brazil beat output forecasts by hundreds of thousands of tons, easing a global supply squeeze and helping limit a surge in meat...
Video
More Ag News
Farmers need to think long-term when making planning decisions
Farming decisions this year can have a big effect for several seasons to come. Todd McRoberts, the Corn Technical Product Lead for Syngenta Corn Traits, said planning ahead is more important now than ever. When it comes to planning ahead, McRoberts said you have to...
November pork and beef export below year-ago levels
Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest...
Phil’s forecast and possible ag implications
For those of us in the Midwest and eastern states, Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day forecast comes as no surprise with the famous groundhog calling for six more weeks of winter. That is USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey who says that Phil’s forecast lines up with the...
Farmers aggressively sold soybeans in 2025
U.S. farmers were aggressive sellers of soybeans last fall as prices climbed after trade tensions eased between the U.S. and China. With higher prices and a swifter pace of sales, commercial ownership of soybeans rose sharply while use of delayed pricing programs and...
USDA cattle numbers show ongoing herd decline
The USDA released its latest Cattle Inventory Report last Friday, just ahead of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Nashville. While the overall change in cattle numbers was modest, the data continues to reinforce a long running trend of...
