Latest News From Farm Economy

Debt-to-asset ratio down to 11.3%

Eastern Livestock, LLC., one of the oldest and the biggest cattle order buyers in the U.S., has some $81 million in bad checks floating around the country.

The following information was released by Purdue University - West Lafayette:It costs a lot more this year to feedmeat animals corn and soybean meal than it did just a few years ago. By the end of 2011, meat eaters will be forking out more money, as well, a Purdue University agricultural economist says.Rising grain prices are pushing feed costs higher for U.S. livestock producers, said Chris Hurt. With feed making up as much as 60 percent of a livestock producer's costs, beef and pork producers are expected to reduce their herd sizes or leave them unchanged next year. Poultry farmers could increase production slightly.

Updated information from USDA

Bigger ag trade surplus also forecast

Match the smallest cowherd on record with an upswing in beef demand, and the stage is set for higher cattle prices across the board.

Cattle producer and USMEF chairman Jim Peterson works to build export demand.

Ag dealer nonpayments, Oil overflowing as demand drops, Herds on a downswing, Hedges back in favor.

Industry leaders still sort out COOL regulations.

Congress and regulatory oversight agencies have held hearings to examine the role of speculation in commodity markets.

USDA conducts mock FMD outbreak for livestock media.