Latest News From MARKETS

2017 Outlook
5 Crop and Livestock Charts to Ponder from USDA’s 10-Year Outlook

What will the next decade hold for your farm? What factors should you use to weigh investments or crop planning?  Here are five trends and data sets to ponder from USDA's latest Agricultural Baseline Projections.

These 4 Cattle Data Sets Speak for Themselves
These 4 Cattle Data Sets Speak for Themselves

Here are the key market headwinds ahead for the cattle industry.  

USDA Confirms Farmers’ Fears: Net Farm and Net Cash Farm Income Expected to Fall This Year 
USDA Confirms Farmers’ Fears: Net Farm and Net Cash Farm Income Expected to Fall This Year 

USDA’s first official net farm income forecast shows an expected 16% drop in 2023 net farm income, largely due to a decline in commodity prices and government payments with higher expenses and costs at the farm level.

Premium Diesel
Diesel Prices Up 78¢ from January 2022

The price surge comes as Europe announced a ban on Russian diesel fuel and G7 countries vowed to price-cap Russian oil products.

Will Cattle Prices Smash New Records This Year, Topping 2014?
Will Cattle Prices Smash New Records This Year, Topping 2014?

After years of liquidation, the U.S. cattle herd continues to contract. With drought still a driving force behind lower cattle numbers, market experts think cattle price could top previous price records set back in 2014.

Vilsack Focuses on Farm Bill Possibilities with National Sustainable Ag Coalition
Vilsack Focuses on Farm Bill Possibilities with National Sustainable Ag Coalition

Vilsack said USDA believes there are more options for farmers other than “get big or get out. There’s got to be a system in which the many and most have a fair shot.”

money-funnel
Bank of America Says a U.S. Debt Default is "Likely"

Speaker McCarthy agreed that the House wouldn’t lift the debt ceiling unless Congress slashes federal spending next fiscal year. Because of this, Bank of America is telling clients to expect a debt default this fall.

U.S. Could Run Out of Money by Thursday if the Debt Limit Isn't Lifted
U.S. Could Run Out of Money by Thursday if the Debt Limit Isn't Lifted

If the nation’s debt hits $31.4 trillion—it’s on track to do so by this Thurs.—the Treasury will need to take “extraordinary measures” to help pay the government's operations and ward off a historic default.

A Competitive Advantage And Diversified Demand, U.S. Pork And Beef Exports Find Opportunity
A Competitive Advantage And Diversified Demand, U.S. Pork And Beef Exports Find Opportunity

U.S. pork and beef export markets may have unique opportunties in 2023, capitalizing on the competetive opportunity for U.S. pork exports in key markets and diversifying the portfolio of U.S. beef products.

Signs Growing that the Global Supply Chain Crisis is Over
Signs Growing that the Global Supply Chain Crisis is Over

From the docks of Southern California and Europe to the parcel hubs in the Midwest and the store shelves in New York, signs are growing that the global supply chain crisis is over.

Winter Storm and Arctic Blast Hit Wheat and Cattle Country: How Are Markets Responding?
Winter Storm and Arctic Blast Hit Wheat and Cattle Country: How Are Markets Responding?

Winter weather is packing a punch across much of farm country this week.  However, its being somewhat ignored by the trade. 

 European Union Clinches a Deal on a Carbon Border Tax
European Union Clinches a Deal on a Carbon Border Tax

Members of the bloc agreed on how to create a tool that will force foreign companies to pay for the cost of their carbon emissions.

Optimism Builds in U.S. Meat Exports to China
Optimism Builds in U.S. Meat Exports to China

While optimism for U.S. red meat exports to China builds in the long-term, bumpy months may be ahead in the short term.

Shippers Note ‘Notoriously Difficult’ Railroads During Latest Hearing
Shippers Note ‘Notoriously Difficult’ Railroads During Latest Hearing

Shippers urged the U.S. railroad regulator to create more competition in the industry during hearings in which Union Pacific was called to explain a spike in service restrictions.

‘Huge Black Hole’ of Protein Demand Awaits in Africa
‘Huge Black Hole’ of Protein Demand Awaits in Africa

A recent USDA trade mission to Kenya determined that ecommerce in the area, post-COVID, has huge growth potential and signs of demand for U.S. red meat products.

Rail Strike Derailed as Biden Signs Labor Bill
Rail Strike Derailed as Biden Signs Labor Bill

According to Biden’s economic advisors, as many as 765,000 Americans — many union workers themselves — would have been put out of work in the first two weeks of shutdowns.

Negotiations Approach Quickly, Two Key Trade Seats Sit Empty
Negotiations Approach Quickly, Two Key Trade Seats Sit Empty

With trade opportunities and negotiations soon to begin, two key trade representative positions sit empty awaiting Senate approval for the nominations.

Congress “Likely” to Pass a Rail Deal this Week, According to Soy Transportation Coalition’s Steenhoek
Congress “Likely” to Pass a Rail Deal this Week, According to Soy Transportation Coalition’s Steenhoek

Pelosi said the House this week will “take up a bill adopting the tentative agreement—with no poison pills or changes to the negotiated terms—and send it to the Senate.” Some industry leaders feel it will pass.

Airplane
Chinese Delegates Meet with Top U.S. Officials in New York

China moved to close parks, malls and museums on Tues. as COVID-19 cases hit near-record levels. Lockdowns follow reports that, days before COP27, Xi sent policy and business advisers to New York to meet U.S. executives.

Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day
Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day

Unions are arguing railroads haven't done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.

Foreign Carriers Offered Loophole to Leave U.S. Ports Without Goods, Despite Active Legislation
Foreign Carriers Offered Loophole to Leave U.S. Ports Without Goods, Despite Active Legislation

Congressmen who penned the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 are calling on the Federal Maritime Commission to mend the gap and provide "reasonable opportunities" for U.S. exporters to get their goods to foreign markets.

Potential Shake Up to Come in the Mexican Meat Market?
Potential Shake Up to Come in the Mexican Meat Market?

A recent policy decision, aiming to reduce the price of basic goods in Mexico, is two-fold. USMEF’s Erin Borror explains the potential impacts of the agreement.

China Cites U.S. Ag for Why It's Chosen Not to Invade Taiwan
China Cites U.S. Ag for Why It's Chosen Not to Invade Taiwan

“In the last 2,500 years, every Chinese government that has fallen, has fallen over food,” says Kuehl, Armada chief economist. “They need those import markets—be it from the U.S, Canada, Brazil or Australia."

Cenex
Freight Costs To Remain High Through Winter, Analyst Says

Freight costs are likely to remain elevated through the winter, despite the recent decline in crude oil prices.

Is the U.S. Now Officially in a Recession?
Is the U.S. Now Officially in a Recession?

Friday brought mixed news for the economy. So, is the U.S. officially in a recession? K-State economists say it's more important to watch changes in behaviors versus debating the definition of recession.

Lighthizer and Saunders to Receive USMEF Honors
Lighthizer and Saunders to Receive USMEF Honors

USMEF to honor former head of the USTR and co-founder of “Where Food Comes From” for contributions to the U.S. red meat industry.

U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban
U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban

Global diesel and distillate fuel stocks have fallen to dangerous levels and the U.S. has been exporting a lot of diesel to Europe and Latin America, but now things are changing.

Calculator
4 Tax Items to Cross Off Your Operation's 2023 Checklist

The end of the year is closing in. Have you considered new prepaid expense moves? According to Paul Neiffer, farm CPA at CLA Connect, you should.

IMF Anticipates Global Inflation Will Peak in Late 2022
IMF Anticipates Global Inflation Will Peak in Late 2022

Global inflation will likely decrease to 6.5% in 2023 and to 4.1% by 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast.

Possible U.S. Rail Strike Now Back On the Table
Possible U.S. Rail Strike Now Back On the Table

A labor strike along U.S. railroads is still a possibility after the third-largest railroad union rejected a tentative labor agreement this week. The agreement had the support of the White House.

Every Dollar Invested Net Returns 24.5 Times, Halstrom Says
Every Dollar Invested Net Returns 24.5 Times, Halstrom Says

Recently introduced legislation would increase annual funding for two programs that aim to bolster global demand for U.S. agricultural products.

Shipping Container Rates Down 63%, But We're a Long Way From Back to Normal Operations
Shipping Container Rates Down 63%, But We're a Long Way From Back to Normal Operations

Have the Pacific Coast port bottleneck issues been resolved, or moved somewhere else? The East Coast may now be carrying the burden.

Railroad Strike Days Away? Here’s What it Means for Agriculture
Railroad Strike Days Away? Here’s What it Means for Agriculture

A rail strike is looming despite the majority of unions reaching tentative agreement with the rail companies, but the unions not on board are essential to the operation of the nation’s rail system. 

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Congress Likely to Extend the Mandatory Livestock Price Reporting Program

Farm-state lawmakers will eventually add billions to the aid package, but Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) agrees it could take until a later omnibus spending measure to be approved.

When Disaster Strikes: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Provides New Insight
When Disaster Strikes: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Provides New Insight

What do the pork, beef and poultry industries have in common? Taking a look at the impacts of a disease outbreak might lead to striking similarities.

U.S. Beef and Pork Export Values Near $150 Million to Colombia
U.S. Beef and Pork Export Values Near $150 Million to Colombia

Demand for U.S. pork and beef exports in Colombia soar in 2022 with pork ahead of last year’s record pace by 10% and beef up 55% in volume and 78% in value over 2021, USMEF reports.

Meat Processors Find Value in Firsthand Experience at U.S. Seminar
Meat Processors Find Value in Firsthand Experience at U.S. Seminar

USMEF hosts Latin American representatives at a seminar to experience and learn about U.S. meat production and further processed products available in retail supermarkets.

The U.S. is Now 30 Days Away From a Possible Railroad Labor Strike
The U.S. is Now 30 Days Away From a Possible Railroad Labor Strike

From a train derailment outside Hereford, Texas, to growing concerns about a possible labor strike in mid-September, rail delays have been a severe pain point for the grain users and shippers all year.

Beef Trade Supporting Cattle and Beef Markets
Beef Trade Supporting Cattle and Beef Markets

Beef trade has been generally supportive thus far this year, but the future is uncertain, says Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University.

Port of Oakland Operation Resumes: Will Exports Make It Out on Time?
Port of Oakland Operation Resumes: Will Exports Make It Out on Time?

Continued issues at ports threaten the value potential of chilled, never frozen, red meat exports.

Could Food Prices Ease in 2023? USDA's New Consumer Food Price Forecast Has a Bit of Good News
Could Food Prices Ease in 2023? USDA's New Consumer Food Price Forecast Has a Bit of Good News

USDA raised its consumer food price forecast again, to 8.5% to 9.5% for 2022. The agency had initially predicted a 2% to 3% rise in prices. Eggs, fats and oils, and poultry prices are making the biggest gains.

EPA Faces Lawsuit for Ethanol’s Impacts on Endangered Species
EPA Faces Lawsuit for Ethanol’s Impacts on Endangered Species

The lawsuit claims the EPA failed to "fully assess" the affect increased corn for ethanol production will have on endangered species, including land conversion and increased fertilizer and pesticide use.

Trouble Shipping Grain And Feed Via Rail Far From Over, Concerns Now Growing About Possible Worker Strike At Harvest
Trouble Shipping Grain And Feed Via Rail Far From Over, Concerns Now Growing About Possible Worker Strike At Harvest

A potential stoppage on the nation's railways this fall is spurring concern, even after President Biden signed an executive order Sunday to keep U.S. rail traffic on track and the collective bargaining process going.

The heat is on.
AccuWeather Thinks Next Week's Heat Wave Could Scorch 30 to 45 Million Bushels of Corn

Triple digit heat blankets the Southwest this week, and forecasters expect the ridge of high pressure to park over the western Corn Belt next week. AccuWeather projects U.S. corn production could be severely impacted.

Mission to Market: Expanding Opportunities of U.S. Exports to the UK
Mission to Market: Expanding Opportunities of U.S. Exports to the UK

To bridge the gap between the U.S. and UK, a recent USDA trade mission focused on current barriers that challenge U.S. agricultural exports in the UK market.

Livestock Producers Report Being Just Days Away From Running Out of Feed Due to Shipping Rail Issues
Livestock Producers Report Being Just Days Away From Running Out of Feed Due to Shipping Rail Issues

Bottlenecks along U.S. railways are growing more severe. Not only are feed users on the West Coast on the brink of running out of grain, but there are also concerns the rail issues could grow worse during harvest.

Are Surprisingly Strong Cash Grain Bids Exposing Reality of U.S. Corn Supplies?
Are Surprisingly Strong Cash Grain Bids Exposing Reality of U.S. Corn Supplies?

Strong basis bids are sparking questions about the reality of corn supplies and issues in getting grain to areas of the country that need it. Analysts are watching USDA's Grain Stocks report this week for answers.

Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Prices Plummet Thursday, Weather is Only Part of the Reason Why
Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Prices Plummet Thursday, Weather is Only Part of the Reason Why

Last week, hot and dry weather fueled commodity markets. This week, the change in the weather forecast, as well as growing concerns about a recession, spurred market speculators to sell.

Red Meat Tariffs Off the Hook as Food Prices Soar
Red Meat Tariffs Off the Hook as Food Prices Soar

As consumers see increased prices at the store in many counties across the globe, decreasing import tariffs has helped make food more affordable and increase opportunities for exporting markets.

Priority At the Port: Industry Praises the Ocean Shipping Reform Act Approval
Priority At the Port: Industry Praises the Ocean Shipping Reform Act Approval

Addressing shipping inefficiencies and challenges at the ports, passed legislation receives positive reassurance from the industry.