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Buckle Up: Here's Why USDA's Latest Cattle Inventory Report Could be a Turning Point for Prices
Buckle Up: Here's Why USDA's Latest Cattle Inventory Report Could be a Turning Point for Prices

USDA's cattle inventory report confirmed contraction is taking place in the U.S. As economists weigh in on what the latest numbers may mean, one veteran economist thinks cattle prices could remain strong through Q4.

Farmers Saw Biden's 30x30 Plan As A 'Land Grab,' Here's Why You No Longer Hear About It
Farmers Saw Biden's 30x30 Plan As A 'Land Grab,' Here's Why You No Longer Hear About It

AFBF President Zippy Duvall told members this week he will continue to press for policy that progresses agriculture, citing AFBF's work on changes to the White House's "America the Beautiful" plan as an example.

White House Will Push China to Make Up for $16B Trade Deficit in Phase One, Vilsack Tells American Farm Bureau
White House Will Push China to Make Up for $16B Trade Deficit in Phase One, Vilsack Tells American Farm Bureau

AFBF's in-person annual convention focused on everything from H-2A workers, drought, supply chain chaos and policy changes like the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed the group Monday.

California Sees Wettest Start to Water Year in 40 Years, Still Not Enough to Cure Concerns Over Drought
California Sees Wettest Start to Water Year in 40 Years, Still Not Enough to Cure Concerns Over Drought

As California farmers' try to battle back from extreme drought, hope is coming in the form of snow. The state's average snow water equivalent percentage of snowpack jumped from 19% on December 10 to 98% today.

Is Surging Inflation the Shock That Will Slash Consumers' Record Appetite for Meat?
Is Surging Inflation the Shock That Will Slash Consumers' Record Appetite for Meat?

Inflation levels are now at levels the U.S. hasn't seen in three decades. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a 6.2% spike over the past 12 months, the largest increase since 1990. Beef prices are up 20%.

trade cargo
U.S., China Container Shipping Rates Plummet 50%, Backlog of Unfilled Orders Grows

As backlogs at U.S. ports and climbing shipping rates plague the supply chain, new data shows container shipping rates between the U.S and China are dropping by more than 50% in  just a month. 

Vilsack Says USDA is Still Assessing Hurricane Ida Damage, Outlines Possibilities for Disaster Aid
Vilsack Says USDA is Still Assessing Hurricane Ida Damage, Outlines Possibilities for Disaster Aid

Hurricane Ida, and possible aid to producers, was a big topic of the Farm Journal Farm Country Update with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday. Vilsack highlighted when additional aid may be on the way. 

California Has Already Seen 6,800 Wildfires This Year, Burning 1.7 Million Acres
California Has Already Seen 6,800 Wildfires This Year, Burning 1.7 Million Acres

All of California's national forests are now closed to the public due to raging wildfires. Wildfire threats and issues continue to grow as more than 6,800 wildfires have already burned 1.7 million acres in the state.

Record-Breaking Agricultural Exports Expected to Continue Through 2022
Record-Breaking Agricultural Exports Expected to Continue Through 2022

USDA is out with its new ag export forecast for both this year and next, and it's showing exports could hit $173.5 billion in 2021, $4 billion more than 2020, due to higher livestock, poultry and dairy exports.

First-Ever Mandatory Federal Cuts to Colorado River Cripples Critical Water Source for Arizona Agriculture
First-Ever Mandatory Federal Cuts to Colorado River Cripples Critical Water Source for Arizona Agriculture

Federal officials announced this week mandatory water cuts to the Colorado River, marking the first federal water cuts, and it's the first-ever water shortage for a river that serves 40 million people in the West.

Cattle Producers Now Have Easier Access to Animal Disease Traceability Tool
Cattle Producers Now Have Easier Access to Animal Disease Traceability Tool

U.S. CattleTrace is unveiling a new store for producers to buy RFID tags. CattleTrace says these types of tags can be difficult to find and buy in an online setting, which is why and it created the tag store.

As California Wildfires Rage, State Leaders, Students and Veterinarians Launch Effort to Help Rescue Livestock
As California Wildfires Rage, State Leaders, Students and Veterinarians Launch Effort to Help Rescue Livestock

Western wildfires continue to rage in the west, as California's biggest wildfire is leading to widespread evacuations of livestock. And now there are efforts underway to care for animals left behind.

Consumer and Wholesale Beef Demand Hit 30-Year Highs Despite Near-Record Beef Prices
Consumer and Wholesale Beef Demand Hit 30-Year Highs Despite Near-Record Beef Prices

CattleFax says beef prices are near record high, while consumer and wholesale beef demand hit 30-year highs. While drought remains a concern, strong demand combined with higher prices are signaling an optimistic future

Producers Warned to Monitor Cattle After Anthrax Was Found in a North Dakota Herd
Producers Warned to Monitor Cattle After Anthrax Was Found in a North Dakota Herd

North Dakota is one of those areas that has been dealing with drought for months, and now another concern, after anthrax was found in a cattle herd in Kidder County last week.

Grasshoppers Finish off North Dakota Crops, Pastures Already Plagued by Drought, Farmers Say
Grasshoppers Finish off North Dakota Crops, Pastures Already Plagued by Drought, Farmers Say

Heat and drought aren't the only issue farmers in drought-stricken areas are dealing with. Grasshoppers are also destroying pastures and crops. Producers say it's finishing off what's left of an already dire crop.

Two of the Four Major Meatpackers Grilled Over Competition During Senate Hearing
Two of the Four Major Meatpackers Grilled Over Competition During Senate Hearing

Competition in the meat sector was a focus on Capitol Hill Wednesday. The same day of the House Ag Committee's hearing, the Senate Judiciary Committee put the meatpacking industry in the hot seat with calls for change. 

Tense U.S., China High-Level Meeting Wraps Up, China Says Countries are in a 'Stalemate'
Tense U.S., China High-Level Meeting Wraps Up, China Says Countries are in a 'Stalemate'

U.S. and Chinese officials met face-to-face for high-level talks, and the meeting had a tense tone as the countries remain at odds over issues from cyber security to human rights. 

The Drought Effect: 10 States See Majority of Grazing Conditions in Poor to Very Poor Shape
The Drought Effect: 10 States See Majority of Grazing Conditions in Poor to Very Poor Shape

As farmers in the West experience record-breaking heat, the continued extreme drought conditions are also taking a toll on growers, crops and livestock, with pasture and range conditions worsening.

Help Cattle Beat the Heat with These Tips
Help Cattle Beat the Heat with These Tips

Kansas State beef veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff explains some of the ways producers can help cattle be less stressed in high heat conditions.

Truck Shortage Continues as Semiconductor Chips Still in Short Supply
Truck Shortage Continues as Semiconductor Chips Still in Short Supply

If you're in the market for a new truck, you may be waiting a while longer. Major auto and truck manufacturers have announced extended shutdowns and it's the chip shortage still to blame.

From Emergency Haying and Grazing to Increased Salinity on Stock Dams, Drought Brings Challenges for Ranchers
From Emergency Haying and Grazing to Increased Salinity on Stock Dams, Drought Brings Challenges for Ranchers

AgDay’s Clinton Griffiths reports that evaporation has increased the salinity in stock dams in South Dakota, some to lethal levels for livestock.

Average Cost of a 4th of July Cookout is Down Compared to Last Year
Average Cost of a 4th of July Cookout is Down Compared to Last Year

The American Farm Bureau says average cost for 10 people is less than $6 per person.

Group with Ties to Mormon Church Outbids Bill Gates’ Group for Easterday Land
Group with Ties to Mormon Church Outbids Bill Gates’ Group for Easterday Land

An investment company with ties to the Mormon church has the high bid for land that belonged to the now bankrupt Easterday Farms and Easterday Ranches.

Senate's "Growing Climate Solutions" Plan Gets Agriculture's Backing
Senate's "Growing Climate Solutions" Plan Gets Agriculture's Backing

A plan to help farmers and ranchers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while gaining more clarity on carbon markets, is moving through Congress. The Senate approved the "Growing Climate Solutions Act," with a 92-8 vote.

Accusations Of Anti-Competitive Practices In The Cattle Industry Drive Senate Ag Committee Hearing
Accusations Of Anti-Competitive Practices In The Cattle Industry Drive Senate Ag Committee Hearing

The Senate Ag Committee went looking for answers amid accusations of a lack of transparency and anti-competitive practices in the cattle industry on Wednesday. Testimonies varied with how to address growing concerns.

Meat Industry Scheduled to Take Center Stage on Capitol Hill
Meat Industry Scheduled to Take Center Stage on Capitol Hill

The meatpacking industry will take center stage on Capitol Hill as members of the Senate Ag Committee hold a hearing designed to take a deep dive into the cattle markets amid accusations of price imbalances.

Despite Worker Worries, Foodservice Sales Soar to Record Levels in May
Despite Worker Worries, Foodservice Sales Soar to Record Levels in May

Foodservice spending at restaurants and bars totaled a record $67 billion last month. That's up more than $1 billion from February despite analysts saying the issue of finding restaurant staff is holding back sales.

Drought Worsens: Western Rancher Relocates 80% of Cattle Herd as 200 of His Reservoirs Run Dry
Drought Worsens: Western Rancher Relocates 80% of Cattle Herd as 200 of His Reservoirs Run Dry

T.J. Atkin, a cattle rancher in Arizona and Utah, says the drought is worse than he's ever seen, as area ranchers cull or relocate cows from reservoirs running dry.

Senate Ag Committee Schedules New Hearing as Congress' Calls for Cattle Market Changes Continue
Senate Ag Committee Schedules New Hearing as Congress' Calls for Cattle Market Changes Continue

Calls from Congress to address issues within the cattle markets continue. The Senate Ag Committee announcing a June 23 hearing to examine markets, transparency and prices from cattle producers to consumers.

New Technology Could Help with Real-Time Foot and Mouth Disease Detection
New Technology Could Help with Real-Time Foot and Mouth Disease Detection

A big concern for dairy farmers is preventing foot and mouth disease (FMD) on farms. Thanks to new technology, there's now a real-time test that could get farmers answers quickly.

10% of Contiguous U.S. Experiencing Exceptional Drought, Highest Since 2011
10% of Contiguous U.S. Experiencing Exceptional Drought, Highest Since 2011

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 10% of the contiguous U.S. is now under an "exceptional drought," which is the highest the rate has been since 2011.

Cargill Says Demand for Plant-Based Protein Could Grow to 10% of Market by 2025
Cargill Says Demand for Plant-Based Protein Could Grow to 10% of Market by 2025

Cargill's CEO says the company is in the middle of a major shakeup as it says consumers will continue to demand more plant-based protein products.

USDA Vows to Fight Court Decision to Halt Loan Forgiveness for Farmers of Color
USDA Vows to Fight Court Decision to Halt Loan Forgiveness for Farmers of Color

A federal judge announced Friday a decision to halt payments in a USDA loan forgiveness program designed to help farmers of color. USDA has until Friday to respond to the court’s temporary restraining order. 

As Heat Builds, Current Drought Conditions Already Exceed Devastating 2012 Season
As Heat Builds, Current Drought Conditions Already Exceed Devastating 2012 Season

As drought conditions in the West are continuing to expand, hotter temperatures aren't helping things. Heat that started building over the weekend is not good news for areas already dealing with that drought.

Farm Bureau Urges Biden to Address Border Crisis, Says Farm Families' Lives At Risk
Farm Bureau Urges Biden to Address Border Crisis, Says Farm Families' Lives At Risk

American Farm Bureau Federation sent a letter to the Biden administration saying the increase in undocumented immigration is severely impacting farm and ranch families, putting property and personal safety at risk.

White House Says Nothing is Off the Table in Responding to Recent Cyberattack on JBS
White House Says Nothing is Off the Table in Responding to Recent Cyberattack on JBS

The White House says President Joe Biden will address cyber attacks with Russia at a meeting later this month and won't take any options off the table when responding to the recent cyberattack on meat producer JBS.

Tyson Foods Names New CEO, Marks Fifth CEO in Five Years
Tyson Foods Names New CEO, Marks Fifth CEO in Five Years

The head of Tyson Foods, Dean Banks, is stepping down after less than a year on the job. The company announced Donnie King is the new CEO, which makes him the fifth CEO of Tyson in the last five years. 

World Food Prices Rise at Fastest Pace in a Decade as Inflation Concerns Continue in U.S.
World Food Prices Rise at Fastest Pace in a Decade as Inflation Concerns Continue in U.S.

The United Nations issued a warning this week as world food prices are rising at their fastest pace in a decade. Global food prices have risen for 12 consecutive months and now sit at their highest level since 2011.

USDA Forecasts Farm Exports to Hit a New Record in 2021
USDA Forecasts Farm Exports to Hit a New Record in 2021

Demand for pork and grains is helping propel prices in 2021, and USDA is forecasting it to be a record year. 

Meat Packers Respond to Cattle Industry's Call for Change, Further Investigation
Meat Packers Respond to Cattle Industry's Call for Change, Further Investigation

The cattle industry's unprecedented meeting was centered around meat packing margins and claims of market monopoly. The meeting among the six groups is now drawing a response from the meat packing industry. 

As Cattle Groups Making Unprecedented Move to Fight Market Monopoly, U.S. Lawmakers Also Push DOJ for Answers
As Cattle Groups Making Unprecedented Move to Fight Market Monopoly, U.S. Lawmakers Also Push DOJ for Answers

An unprecedented meeting held early this month among major cattle industry representatives has now produced plans for change. It's happening while a group of U.S. lawmakers are also asking the DOJ for answers.

Cattle Ranchers Cull Cows as 60% of U.S. Cow Herd Faced with Drought
Cattle Ranchers Cull Cows as 60% of U.S. Cow Herd Faced with Drought

The latest U.S. Drought monitor indicates drought is gripping pastures, with 60% of the nation's cow herd is now in some level of drought or dryness, and it's causing cow slaughter numbers to climb.

U.S. Needs to Conserve Land Twice the Size of Texas to Reach Biden's 30x30 Goal
U.S. Needs to Conserve Land Twice the Size of Texas to Reach Biden's 30x30 Goal

The plan is now called "America the Beautiful," and is a 10 year, locally-led and voluntary nationwide effort to conserve, connect and restore 30% of the nation's lands and waters by the year 2030.

Trucker Shortage is Spurring Higher Costs of Goods and Food Across the U.S.
Trucker Shortage is Spurring Higher Costs of Goods and Food Across the U.S.

There is growing concern crops being harvested will make it to market. The problem stems from a lack of truck drivers as COVID-19 concerns and high unemployment benefits are impacting the available workforce.

White Farmers Claim Discrimination, Sue Federal Government Over American Rescue Plan Act
White Farmers Claim Discrimination, Sue Federal Government Over American Rescue Plan Act

The federal government is facing another lawsuit over The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. A group of farmers from five states claim they're ineligible for loan forgiveness program because they're white.

Ag Commissioner Sues Biden Administration Claiming American Rescue Plan Discriminates Against White Farmers
Ag Commissioner Sues Biden Administration Claiming American Rescue Plan Discriminates Against White Farmers

Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller has filed a personal lawsuit against the federal government claiming COVID relief plan discriminates against some white farmers and ranchers.

Study Finds COVID-19 Cases at Meat Processing Plants Caused $11 Billion in Economic Damages
Study Finds COVID-19 Cases at Meat Processing Plants Caused $11 Billion in Economic Damages

A new study from the University of California-Davis estimates 334,000 cases are attributable to packing plants. The study says that resulted in more than $11 billion in economic damage.

Resurgence in Restaurant Demand as Consumer Demographics Possibly Change Post-Pandemic
Resurgence in Restaurant Demand as Consumer Demographics Possibly Change Post-Pandemic

The restaurant industry appears to be on the rebound following the pandemic with more restaurants reporting a surge in demand, but trends also show more consumers may be moving out of urban areas.

Charges Dropped Against Animal Rights Activist Who Trespassed at Iowa Select Farms
Charges Dropped Against Animal Rights Activist Who Trespassed at Iowa Select Farms

Matt Johnson of the activist group Direct Action Everywhere was charged with trespassing in May.

AgDay Cattle Analysis: “Strength Down the Road”
AgDay Cattle Analysis: “Strength Down the Road”

“If you can work through some of these bigger weights, later on down the road, some of the replacement numbers we saw in there in the springtime and early summer timeframe would end up coming to pass,” says Bennett.