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News from May Cattle on Feed Report
The May Cattle on Feed Report offers some of the latest trends from the cattle feedlots. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell provides some details. Total inventory was up 2% year over year, that was driven in part by a 6% increase in April of cattle placed in feedlots compared to last year. McConnell says that marketings of fed cattle decreased 10% from the previous year. That was USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell.
Showcasing U.S. red meat at food trade shows in Japan
The Supermarket Trade Show- one of Japan’s most important food shows- just wrapped up, and with support from industry partners, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) showcased U.S. pork and beef products to key buyers from Japan’s retail sector. USMEF-Japan...
Prop 12 will cause market chaos
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack didn’t hold back when asked about the potential economic harm of California’s Prop 12. “If Congress doesn’t act, we’re going to have chaos in the marketplace,” Vilsack said in response to a question from House Ag Committee Chair Glenn...
Is the economy affecting Farm Bill progress?
Despite the high rises of the DOW and the S&P 500, the economy for the average American is not in a good place. Political and economic pundits are arguing back and forth whether we are in a recession or not. If we are in one, it hasn’t been an epic recession, but...
Growth Energy highlighting biofuel opportunities
Heading further into 2024, one of the top missions for Growth Energy is year-round, nationwide access to E15. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor spoke on E15 during her keynote address at the group’s annual meeting. Skor said it’s a proven fact that year-round E15 will save...
Competition in overseas markets increasing during 2024
USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer talked about the state of the ag economy and the headwinds it faces in 2024. During his speech at the 100th Annual Ag Outlook Meeting, he said there are challenges ahead. “We've seen a lot of growth in trade for agricultural...
2022 Census Of Agriculture indicates loss of farms and farmland
The USDA released the 2022 Census of Agriculture this week. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says some of the results were concerning, especially the number of farms and total amount of farmland across America. While those numbers sound large, Secretary Vilsack was able to...
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More Ag News
Paris Olympics dealing with shortages of quality protein
In the most recent installment of their Beltway Beef Podcast, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association discussed some of the issues raised at the 2024 Paris Olympics. NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Backus talked about how the Olympic organizers...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-1-24)
As we get closer to the end of the marketing year, we saw another neutral export sales report this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. This week also saw a flash sale to China, but flash sales are still far behind where...
USDA says food inflation easing, while farm input costs remain high
The USDA says food inflation is easing, but farm input costs remain high. USDA economist Megan Sweitzer says that consumers may be getting a bit of a break from grocery price inflation which topped 11 percent in 2022. USDA’s grocery price forecast for next year looks...
Officers elected to lead Iowa Farm Bureau’s young farmer program
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer Advisory Committee elected officer positions for 2024-25: Chair: Zac Preston, Warren County Vice Chair: Megan McAllister, Dubuque County Secretary: Mitchell Sievers, Buena Vista County Public Relations Co-Chairs: Alyssa...
Secretary Vilsack announces DFAP program
Yesterday, the Biden administration announced it has issued payments to eligible applicants under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), which aims to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners...
