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You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet: Why Economists Say Cattle Prices Will Soar Even Higher This Year
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet: Why Economists Say Cattle Prices Will Soar Even Higher This Year

Oklahoma State's Derrell Peel points out with the U.S. beef cow herd the smallest since 1961 and the all cattle inventory the lowest since 1951, it’s setting the cattle market up for higher highs.

Why Ag Economists Think Net Farm Income Could Fall to Lowest Level in 3 Years
Why Ag Economists Think Net Farm Income Could Fall to Lowest Level in 3 Years

Ag economists’ views on the ag economy took a dive in the first Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor of 2024; however, relatively strong balance sheets and working capital could provide a cushion for 2024. 

A Snapshot of USDA's Surprising January Report in 10 Charts
A Snapshot of USDA's Surprising January Report in 10 Charts

With larger-than-expected yield revisions to both corn and soybeans, it leaves one burning question: which states grew such big yields in 2023? USDA NASS released maps and charts to help answer that.

Attacks In The Red Sea Are Now A Nightmare For Shippers. Here's Why It Could Actually Open The Door For More Exports Of U.S. Corn
Attacks In The Red Sea Are Now A Nightmare For Shippers. Here's Why It Could Actually Open The Door For More Exports Of U.S. Corn

From drought issues posing problems in the Panama Canal to growing tensions and attacks in the Red Sea, it's causing freight rates to skyrocket and ongoing delays in shipping products around the globe. 

From a Recession in China to $4 Corn, Here Are 10 Potential Surprises Ag Economists Say Could Impact Agriculture in 2024
From a Recession in China to $4 Corn, Here Are 10 Potential Surprises Ag Economists Say Could Impact Agriculture in 2024

From the election to world trade, as well as geopolitical factors that have the potential to shape agriculture in 2024, the December Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows the possibility of several economic surprises.

From Brisket to Coulotte: U.S. Pork and Beef Gains Traction in Colombian Markets
From Brisket to Coulotte: U.S. Pork and Beef Gains Traction in Colombian Markets

With support from the USDA, the National Pork Board and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has embarked on a mission to enhance the merchandising of U.S. red meat in Colombia.

Another Record Month for Pork Exports to Mexico; Beef Exports Show Modest Rebound
Another Record Month for Pork Exports to Mexico; Beef Exports Show Modest Rebound

U.S. pork exports posted another strong performance in October. Beef exports remained well below last year’s large totals but improved from September.

Boost for U.S. Pork and Beef Exports as China Approves New Plants
Boost for U.S. Pork and Beef Exports as China Approves New Plants

In a positive development for the U.S. meat industry, China recently granted approval for 18 U.S. beef establishments and 12 U.S. pork establishments to export to China, the U.S. Meat Export Federation reports.

Better Yields and Improved Crop Prices Propel Ag Economists' Outlooks for 2024
Better Yields and Improved Crop Prices Propel Ag Economists' Outlooks for 2024

After two months of a waning outlook on the ag economy, economists views took a turn in the November Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, a survey of nearly 70 ag economists from across the country.

Branstad and Westman To Be Recognized with 2023 USMEF Awards
Branstad and Westman To Be Recognized with 2023 USMEF Awards

In recognition of many years of service to the U.S. agricultural industry, the U.S. Meat Export Federation recently announced its 2023 award recipients.

High Interest Rates Are Already Impacting Farmers, And It's Coming at the Expense of Ag Loans
High Interest Rates Are Already Impacting Farmers, And It's Coming at the Expense of Ag Loans

Farmers are opting to tap into their savings from recent prosperous years instead of taking out loans at the highest interest rates since 2007, according to surveys conducted by regional Federal Reserve banks.

The U.S. And Europe Are At Odds Over Trump-Era Tariffs, And It's Now Causing Strained Relations
The U.S. And Europe Are At Odds Over Trump-Era Tariffs, And It's Now Causing Strained Relations

While the U.S. and EU aim to make progress during an upcoming summit, reaching a final agreement is uncertain. This issue has significant implications for U.S./EU ties, climate goals, and geopolitics.

Is A Recession Imminent? Here Are The Red Flags Ag Economists Are Now Watching
Is A Recession Imminent? Here Are The Red Flags Ag Economists Are Now Watching

While ag economists continue to be at odds when it comes to the likelihood of a recession in the U.S., some doubt the country's biggest importers will be able to avoid a recession over the next 18 months.

 Out Of The 10 Biggest Ag Commodities In The U.S., Leading Ag Economists Are Most Bullish On Beef Cattle
Out Of The 10 Biggest Ag Commodities In The U.S., Leading Ag Economists Are Most Bullish On Beef Cattle

Ag economists’ view on the ag economy is starting to erode, but when asked to rank commodities, economists are the most bullish on beef. The September Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor also asked economists what could impact livestock prices over the next 6 months.

Crude Awakening: Rising Oil Prices Complicate Fed's Rate-Hike Decisions
Crude Awakening: Rising Oil Prices Complicate Fed's Rate-Hike Decisions

As brent crude futures soar toward $100, it's creating a new battle in the Federal Reserve's effort to fight inflation. One money manager warns another rate hike is likely. 

U.S. Meat Export Federation Takes Producers on International Tour to Boost Meat Exports
U.S. Meat Export Federation Takes Producers on International Tour to Boost Meat Exports

U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO, Dan Halstrom, recently shed light on an international producer and grower tour, as well as the current state of U.S. meat exports.

West Coast Longshoremen Ratify Six-Year Port Labor Contract Agreement
West Coast Longshoremen Ratify Six-Year Port Labor Contract Agreement

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union agreed to a six-year contract, effective July 1, 2022 through July 1, 2028.

Could Cattle Prices Soar Through Next Year? That's What Economists Think, And It Could Completely Change the Industry
Could Cattle Prices Soar Through Next Year? That's What Economists Think, And It Could Completely Change the Industry

The August Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor asked economists when they think cattle herd expansion will start to take place. The majority think cattle contraction will continue for at least another year. 

From Meat Lab to Marketplace: Importers Discover U.S. Beef and Pork Innovations through USMEF Seminar in Nebraska
From Meat Lab to Marketplace: Importers Discover U.S. Beef and Pork Innovations through USMEF Seminar in Nebraska

Latin American meat importers recently convened at an USMEF seminar held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to gain a comprehensive understanding of the merits and distinctive qualities of U.S. beef and pork.

$19 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Expected for FY 2023
$19 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Expected for FY 2023

USDA on Thursday lowered expectations for both ag exports and imports in FY 2023. The export decline is linked to corn and wheat, while the import decline is correlated with easing prices.

Dominican Republic Opens Border to Brazilian Pork and Beef Imports
Dominican Republic Opens Border to Brazilian Pork and Beef Imports

Access has recently been granted for Brazilian pork and beef imports to the Dominican Republic, reports the U.S. Meat Export Federation, following an announcement by Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.

John Phipps: Is There Really a Shortage of Truck Drivers?
John Phipps: Is There Really a Shortage of Truck Drivers?

In early 2022, a possible trucker shortage grabbed headlines, but John Phipps says even today, there isn't much hard data to substantiate that alarm.

Food Inflation Outlook for 2023 Drops Below Previous Projections
Food Inflation Outlook for 2023 Drops Below Previous Projections

For 2024, USDA projects that food price inflation will be lower than that seen in 2023 and significantly lower than the rise seen in 2022.

Ag Economists Turn More Positive Longer-Term On the Farm Economy
Ag Economists Turn More Positive Longer-Term On the Farm Economy

The July Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor showed several key changes from June including a bigger cut to corn and soybean yields, a drop in corn and soybean prices and more bullish cattle and hog prices.

U.S. Inflation Continues to Decline, Down from 4% in May
U.S. Inflation Continues to Decline, Down from 4% in May

Meanwhile, service prices and the core index (which excludes food and energy) remain high, with the core CPI descending to 4.8%.

China's Exports Decline 12.4% Year-Over-Year
China's Exports Decline 12.4% Year-Over-Year

This slump, deeper than May's 7.5% drop, represents the largest decline since February 2020.

Midwest Rains Not Enough to Break Long-Term Drought, 67% of Corn Still Rooted in Drought
Midwest Rains Not Enough to Break Long-Term Drought, 67% of Corn Still Rooted in Drought

The National Drought Mitigation Center estimates 67% of corn and 60% of soybeans are still considered to be in drought, a slight improvement from last week when drought covered 70% of corn and 63% of soybeans.

Game Changer for Soybeans? USDA Ignites Fireworks in the Markets With Two Major Acreage Surprises
Game Changer for Soybeans? USDA Ignites Fireworks in the Markets With Two Major Acreage Surprises

USDA released a few big surprises in the June acreage report, including a spike in corn acres and a large reduction in soybean acres. The agency also forecasts grain stocks below trade expectations.

High Production Costs Could Weigh on the Ag Economy Through 2024, New Survey of Economists Finds
High Production Costs Could Weigh on the Ag Economy Through 2024, New Survey of Economists Finds

The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor is a new survey of nearly 50 economists. Most ag economists agree the next 12 months could produce more financial pressure for agriculture, but their views vary depending on commodity.

Drought Watch: 64% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Covered by Drought
Drought Watch: 64% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Covered by Drought

Drought is deepening across the Midwest with 64% of the corn crop and 57% of the soybean crop across the U.S. now covered in drought, a sizable jump in just a week after NASS showed a historic drop in condition ratings.

Egg Prices See Largest Monthly Drop in 72 Years, But Still Aren't Back to Normal
Egg Prices See Largest Monthly Drop in 72 Years, But Still Aren't Back to Normal

The CPI for May shows egg prices experienced the largest monthly drop in 72 years, but the price consumers are paying for a dozen eggs is still well above average over the past 10 years.

Strong Demand for U.S. Beef in Mexico, Korea, Europe and Africa Despite Overall Export Shortfall
Strong Demand for U.S. Beef in Mexico, Korea, Europe and Africa Despite Overall Export Shortfall

Following remarkable export totals posted in the first half of 2022, this year has continued to fall short. However, a rebound in travel, tourism and other foodservice has continued to support beef demand abroad.

Drought Watch: Nearly Half of the U.S. Corn Crop is Now Covered in Drought
Drought Watch: Nearly Half of the U.S. Corn Crop is Now Covered in Drought

Last week, 34% of the U.S. corn crop was covered in drought, and this week it jumped to 45%. The second crop conditions ratings of the season from USDA-NASS confirmed dryness is starting to deteriorate crop conditions.

Declining Business: West Coast Ports Losing Trade to Competing Coasts, USMEF Reports
Declining Business: West Coast Ports Losing Trade to Competing Coasts, USMEF Reports

While a backlog of ships may not be grabbing headlines compared to 2020, the labor uncertainty is impacting U.S. red meat exports, says Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO.

U.S. Beef Exports Show Signs of Rebound, Reaching Five-Month Highs
U.S. Beef Exports Show Signs of Rebound, Reaching Five-Month Highs

Despite facing headwinds in late 2022 through the start of 2023, U.S. beef exports may be looking up, according to data released by USDA and a report compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

U.S. Trade with the World Rose in March
U.S. Trade with the World Rose in March

Exports rose 2.1% in March from the prior month to a seasonally adjusted $256.2 billion while imports declined 0.3% to $320.4 billion, the Commerce Department said.

Africa Offers Opportunities In U.S. Beef and Pork Exports, Barred By Supply Chain Challenges
Africa Offers Opportunities In U.S. Beef and Pork Exports, Barred By Supply Chain Challenges

With the youngest demographic in the world, the U.S. Meat Export Federation sees Africa as a promising destination for U.S. red meat exports, but not without a number of supply chain challenges.

4 Items EPA Discussed this Week that Will Impact Producers
4 Items EPA Discussed this Week that Will Impact Producers

Michael Regan, EPA administrator, appeared before the House Ag Committee on Wednesday to discuss everything from WOTUS to the farm bill. Here are the highlights that will directly impact producers.

USMEF Names New Asia-Pacific Leadership, Haggard Transitions
USMEF Names New Asia-Pacific Leadership, Haggard Transitions

In an essential area for U.S. red meat exports, USMEF announces a leadership change in the Asia-Pacific region, as Joel Haggard transitions into a consultant role and Jihae Yang, former Korea director, steps in.

USTR's Trade Strategy: Stronger Ties with Like-Minded Countries
USTR's Trade Strategy: Stronger Ties with Like-Minded Countries

Non-tariff barriers “are real and can be more significant hurdles than tariffs,” U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says.

U.S. Pork and Beef Exports Contribute Over 13% Estimated Economic Value To Both Corn and Soybeans, Study Finds
U.S. Pork and Beef Exports Contribute Over 13% Estimated Economic Value To Both Corn and Soybeans, Study Finds

U.S. pork and beef exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 15% per bushel to the value of corn and 13% per bushel to soybeans in 2022, study results find, released by USMEF.

What Do Americans Want to See in the 2023 Farm Bill?
What Do Americans Want to See in the 2023 Farm Bill?

A study released by Farm Bureau finds 86% of Americans are concerned about food insecurity, but their trust in farmers remains high at 89%.

How Important is U.S. Ag and Food to the Economy?
How Important is U.S. Ag and Food to the Economy?

In celebration of National Ag Day and National Ag Week, the 2023 Feeding the Economy report shows just how vital the industry is to U.S. families, communities and the world.

Commodities Supporting Commodities, USMEF Shares Value Impacts
Commodities Supporting Commodities, USMEF Shares Value Impacts

U.S. Meat Export Federation leaders share the importance of supporting fellow producers and other key partners and release impact numbers of red meat exports on corn and soybean values in the U.S.

Pork Exports Soar, While Beef Exports Slow to Start 2023
Pork Exports Soar, While Beef Exports Slow to Start 2023

U.S. pork exports finished 2022 strong and continued momentum into January, while U.S. beef exports slow in 2023, with shipments well below the large totals from a year ago, according to USDA data compiled by USMEF.

US Trade Rep Tai to Discuss Biden's Trade Agenda Today
US Trade Rep Tai to Discuss Biden's Trade Agenda Today

"In this current situation, the traditional approach to free trade agreements — which isn't just tariff cuts, but that they do tariff cuts on a fully comprehensive basis — isn't what we need right now,” Tai says.

Ag Industry Leaders Embark on USMEF Trade Mission to Monterrey, Mexico
Ag Industry Leaders Embark on USMEF Trade Mission to Monterrey, Mexico

A team of 15 U.S. industry leaders participated in a local food show, visited a processing facility and saw the broad range of food retail offered in Monterrey, says Gerardo Rodriquez of USMEF.

Timely BSE Report in Brazil? U.S. Beef Imports Left Unphased
Timely BSE Report in Brazil? U.S. Beef Imports Left Unphased

A case of Atypical BSE, or mad cow disease, was confirmed in the northern state of Para, Brazil on Wednesday. However, the real question is—when did this case actually occur? USCA and NCBA leaders share their thoughts.

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A Surge in China’s Consumer Spending on the Horizon?

After easing China’s COVID restrictions and a wave of COVID moved through its residents, Chinese consumers are quickly returning with an excess of cash in hand, the U.S. Meat Export Federation reports.

Prohibited Products Reach New Record Level at LA/LB Seaport
Prohibited Products Reach New Record Level at LA/LB Seaport

Marking 2022 as the busiest fiscal year ever, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted a total of 1.2 million lbs. of prohibited products at America’s largest seaport complex.