Cattle Trader Center

Corn prices heading to record highs amid “incredibly tight” supplies

Corn prices are heading toward record highs with U.S. supplies expected to be “incredibly tight” this year and exports and ethanol production on pace to exceed government forecasts, Rabobank Group analysts said. ... Full story.

2010 ethanol production sets record

2010 was another record year for U.S. ethanol producers. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ethanol production in 2010 averaged nearly 863,000 barrels per day. That represents 13.23 billion gallons of production for calendar year 2010. 2009 ethanol production was 10.75 billion gallons. ... Full story.

North Dakota farmers, ranchers prepare for spring flooding

The Agriculture Department says North Dakota farmers and ranchers are preparing for spring flooding. ... Full story.

Premium and natural descriptors resonate with consumers

Nearly two out of three consumers recently surveyed by Technomic say they think beef and pork products labeled or menued with premium descriptors such as grass-fed, lean, organic or natural will taste better than other beef and pork products that do not carry these same labels. ... Full story.

AMI joins food and agriculture coalition in opposing proposed 'user fees'

In letters sent today to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, AMI joined two dozen food and agriculture trade associations in opposition to so-called “user fees” for government mandatory inspection programs for meat, poultry and egg processors. ... Full story.

Bovine tuberculosis found in Indiana cattle herd

State animal health officials say bovine tuberculosis has been found in a beef cattle herd in Indiana's southeastern corner - the state's first such case in cattle in more than three decades. ... Full story.

Commentary: When cameras are outlawed...

Florida State Senator Jim Norman wants to protect farmers from radical animal-rights activists. But while we appreciate his intent and his efforts to bring attention to the issue, his proposed law seems a bit extreme. ... Full story.

Drought threat looming large in the Southern Plains

It’s time to talk about the dreaded D-word: drought. Moisture shortages continue to develop in the Southern Plains and the time for spring green-up is rapidly approaching. ... Full story.

Fed cattle jump to $111

Last week brought new highs to fed-cattle prices as demand for finished cattle continues to overrun supplies. USDA reports an average fed-steer price of $111 per hundredweight as of late Friday, with dressed steers averaging just under $180. ... Full story.