Latest News From Farm Economy

It will be a less profitable year for farmers as low grain, milk and hog prices cut into income, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials say.

Cargill Inc. said it’s still committed to its operations in emerging markets despite an economic slowdown that contributed to the agricultural-commodity producer and trader’s first quarterly loss in 14 years.

A Chinese billionaire purchased two cattle stations beside the Northern Territory-Queensland border in Australia for $34.62 million.

Beef from Ireland is making it's way across the Atlantic to the U.S. for the first time in nearly 20 years.

The Brazilian supplier of meat to McDonald’s Corp. and Burger King Worldwide Inc. led gains in the Ibovespa after selling its U.K. unit for about $1.5 billion.

The official start of the summer grilling season launched with a thud. Beef demand remains good, but the expected bump from Memorial Day weekend was doused by heavy rains and beef’s high retail price in comparison to pork and poultry.

In recent months the U.S. dollar has been gaining strength.

There once was a time when McDonald’s was just a restaurant. “Billions” weren’t part of the brand or the plan or the problem.

Livestock sector projected to see continued profits, while row crop producers can expect another down year.

Workers at the Cargill Slaughterhouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin will walk out the doors one final time. The company announced Wednesday it’s closing the plant effective Friday.

Cattle prices as well as wholesale and retail beef prices are setting record highs, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economists.

The U.S. and Japan still face “considerable” differences in reaching an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership regional trade pact two weeks before President Barack Obama pays a state visit.

The winter weather across the nation didn’t allow enough trade to really test the markets.

Despite record prices, the cattle industry continues to struggle with the drought’s long coattails.

Attorneys have asked that a minimum bid of $12.75 million be set for an idled South Dakota beef packing plant at an auction scheduled for Dec. 5.

Feeder cattle prices are called a “runaway” this week. Declining corn prices has prompted cattle feeders to bid up yearling cattle prices to dizzying heights, which is great news if you’re a seller.

Calves and feeder cattle are hot commodities, and market fundamentals going forward suggest that trend will continue.

U.S. Cattle on Feed report shows cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with steady domestic beef demand.

The latest livestock trade data indicates that the Mexican cattle industry is undergoing rapid and dynamic change, which will affect cattle and beef flows between the U.S. and Mexico.

Food price inflation should be low this year, except when it comes to beef prices.

The U.S. has relied so heavily on Mexican feeder cattle imports to supplement supply that experts are now calling the levels of imported cattle unsustainable.

But maintaining clear records and establishing a good relationship with a banker still help operators win financially, says Stephen Hatz, senior vice president at Bank of the West.

There are likely few benefits for the U.S. in exporting abundant natural gas supplies, says a Purdue University energy economist.

Cattle producers anticipate 10-year cycle high, but the odds hinge on Mother Nature’s cooperation.

Given the average age of cattle producers, demographics suggest that a significant amount of asset turnover is inevitable in the next decade.

Among the most important cattle exporting countries, prices in local currencies have risen only in the US and New Zealand.

Persistent drought conditions in sections of the U.S., rain in Argentina and export levels all are contributing factors.

Global feed production is expected to contract for the first time ever next year.

A Rabobank report examines potential for Lean Finely Textured Beef to recover its position in U.S. food supply.

With the cookout season in full swing, it’s a good time to take a close look at beef supplies and cattle numbers.

Beef Products Inc., the maker of lean finely textured beef, is closing three plants following media firestorm over the product.

Texas agricultural losses due to the 2011 drought reached a record $7.62 billion, making it the most costly drought in history.

Record cattle prices set the stage for expansion.

A coalition of the U.S. livestock and poultry industry associations ask for hearing to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard’s impact on the economy.

U.S. beef herd liquidation may be one of the largest ever

U.S. beef herd liquidation may be one of the largest ever

The national cowherd continues to decline and prices are good, but is it time to expand?

Some other USDA operations would continue, but many wouldn't

Some other USDA operations would continue, but many wouldn't

I’ve always thought of export markets as important to byproducts—the stuff you and I won’t eat. But if this economy doesn’t improve, or corn prices don’t come down, we may have to start thinking of the loin as a byproduct—not something Americans won’t eat so much as something they can’t afford to eat.

As commodities skyrocket, you have to wonder how much feeder cattle placements are really worth.

The Japanese earthquake could have a large effect on U.S. grain and beef exports, but likely will have only a minor effect.

Escalating unrest in the Middle East is not only going to continue to drive fuel prices up, there’s also a good chance it will do the same to the costs of fertilizing pastures

New fiscal year also off to a strong start

As the nation begins to emerge from recession, changes are on the way for the restaurant industry in 2011

On the topsy-turvy roller-coaster ride of cattle prices this past year, one thing that most economists agree on is that the cattle industry remains in a strong position going into 2011. Cattle supplies continue to be at their lowest while demand is steady. The one monkey wrench in what could be a great year for cattle producers is high feed costs.

President Obama will sign bill into law

The outlook for 2011 shows potential profits for all segments of the beef industry.

Washington, D.C. session pulled previous sessions together and had focus on margins.

Passage still expected despite Senate move which ran afoul of the Constitution.