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US hog inventory edges lower; productivity ticks up
The U.S. hog and pig inventory totaled 73.7 million head as of June 1, down slightly from a year earlier and from March, USDA said Thursday in its quarterly report. Market hogs accounted for 67.8 million head, while 5.88 million were kept for breeding, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Despite the smaller herd, production indicators improved. Producers weaned 33.5 million pigs from March through May, slightly above last year, with an average of 11.87 pigs per...
Egg prices remain on the rise for consumers
Sticker shock at the grocery store has been nothing new for consumers in the 2020s. However, one product that has previously been pocketbook friendly has seen continued price increases as reflected in month-over-month, and year-over-year, comparisons. USDA economist...
Vilsack to lead World Food Prize Foundation
The World Food Prize Foundation says former Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will serve as the new CEO of the organization beginning on March 1, 2025. As the CEO, the Foundation says Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the...
Milder winter may shift H5N1 seasonal pattern
The extended fall and unusually mild start of winter delayed the southern migration of many bird species, prolonging last year’s H5N1 (avian influenza) season. With birds lingering longer than usual, the virus had an extended window to spread. As January ends on a...
Grassley discusses tariff concerns
After taking office last week President Trump announced he is considering introducing import tariffs as high as 25% on Canada and Mexico beginning in February. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the potential tariffs during his weekly ag...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-28-25)
After some needed dryness in Brazil, rain has reentered the forecast. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in South America. Harvest is officially underway in Brazil, which means that planters are also following close behind...
Finishing off an exceptionally dry and cold January
Recently, a large arctic air mass has made its way through much of the United States. This is what caused the subzero temperatures in Iowa, and it’s also what brought snow down to the Southeast. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said that, fortunately, this...
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Farming smarter with microbial nitrogen tools
Nitrogen is essential to growing a healthy crop, but it can come with environmental and regulatory challenges. As sustainability becomes a bigger priority for consumers and policymakers, farmers seek solutions that maintain productivity while reducing runoff and...
U.S. red meat export trend was higher in March
Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said beef export value was led by strong performances in...
May WASDE report brings strength to soybean prices
The first WASDE report after the official start of planting season had some decently positive aspects, especially in the soybean markets. As for the corn markets, AgMarket.Net Hedging Strategist Robin Schmahl said the corn production estimates were in line with the...
Fiscal year ag trade at the midway point
We have reached the halfway point of the ag trade year, and it is a good time to analyze the numbers for imports and exports thus far. USDA economist James Kaufman says exports are down from last year while imports continue to increase. Kaufman expands on the ag trade...
USDA’s Rollins says Proposition 12 ‘Just not sustainable’
At a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture budget, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on California Proposition 12 and similar laws that affect livestock production. In response to a question from Committee...
