Latest News From MARKETS

Cattle
Market Outlook: Expect depleted inventory of heifers headed into spring

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.

fields
Corn Below $6 Seen as Farmers Plant Most Since 1936

From South Dakota to Ohio, farmers are preparing to plant the most corn in almost eight decades after drought ruined last year's harvest.

OIE to Give U.S. Top BSE Safety Rating

The World Organization for Animal Health is recommending that the U.S. risk classification for BSE be upgraded to negligible risk.

U.S. Beef Export's Future is Bright

CattleFax see long-term growth in exports, but record prices could slow some trading partners beef purchases.

Equity Will Dictate 2013 Livestock Financing

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.

Moneywise: Natural gas, reproductive technologies and marketing all hit farm wallet

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

beefexports2
U.S. Agencies Announce Beef Trade Agreement with Japan

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announce that Japan will now permit the import of beef from cattle less than 30 months of age.

Japan Plans to Relax Restrictions on U.S. Beef Imports on Feb. 1

Japan will ease restrictions on U.S. beef imports next month, boosting supplies to restaurants.

feed lot
Cattle Producers Anticipate Price Peak

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

Corn Export Sales Disappoint, Soybeans Top Expectations

Highlights of USDA's Weekly Export Sales Report.

Father and Son Ranchers   South Dakota   NRCS
Who Will Be at the Helm to Rebuild the U.S. Cattle Herd?

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

Rabobank: Global Beef Prices to Reach Record Levels in 2013

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

harvested corn
Corn Price Rally Fed By Supply Concerns, Demand Outlook

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

Corn, Soybean and Wheat Export Inspections Disappoint

Weekly Export Inspections Report highlights.

cattle feedyard
2013 Outlook: Another Crazy Year Ahead for Cattle

While nobody knows yet what will happen in 2013, here are five areas to keep your eye on.

Global Feed Production to Contract in 2013

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

Corn & Soybean Export Sales Match Expectations

Highlights of USDA's Weekly Export Sales Report.

With Short Beef Supplies Will LFTB Make a Return?

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

Soybean Export Sales Top Expectations; Corn Falls Short

USDA Weekly Export Sales Report highlights.

Cattle on Feed Report: Bearish

Placements were even heavier than expected at 115%.

April Pork and Beef Exports Remain Strong

Pork exports were up in volume and value, while beef export values for April were the strongest so far this year.

Understanding the Beef "Factory"

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

wheat field
Wheat Feeding to Decline Over Next Year

While wheat supplies are still heavy, by 2013 some analysts think wheat prices will reflect the human food market, rather than the animal feed market.

Second Quarter Holds Downside Price Risk for Beef

Rabobank's global research report shows downside price risk short-term with recovery expected by midyear.

NCBA Disappointed with COOL Appeal

Cattle group disappointed in U.S. Trade Representative decision to appeal the World Trade Organization ruling on COOL.

BPI to Close Plants Over 'Pink Slime' Controversy

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

2011 Texas Agricultural Drought Losses Total $7.62 Billion

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

Corn, Wheat Export Sales Top Expectations

Soybean sales were well below expectations.

USDA Proposes BSE Import Rule Change

The proposal should assist in beef trade negotiations by bringing BSE import standards in line with international rules.

Soybean Export Sales Top Already-High Expectations

Corn and wheat sales matched expectations.

NCBA: Experts Project Tighter Cattle Supplies, Record Exports

As cattle supplies remain tight and global demand intensifies, profitability for cattle ranchers will continue in the year ahead.

Corn Export Sales Top 1 Million Metric Tons

Soybean export sales disappointed, wheat sales were within expectations.

Pro Farmer's Monday Morning Wake Up Call

Grains are set to start the week higher.

Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Export Sales Exceed Expectations

Soyoil and soymeal export sales were also above expectations.

beef cow prices
All Signs Point Higher

Record cattle prices set the stage for expansion.

Weekly Corn, Soybean Sales Top Expectations

Corn exports a marketing year high at 1,300,800 MT.

Weekly Corn, Soybean and Wheat Sales Within Expectations

Soybean exports top 1 million metric tons.

Coalition Requests Hearing on the RFS’s Impact on Economy

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.

Weekly Corn and Wheat Sales Within Expectations

Soybean sales below expectations.

cattle numbers take hit
Cattle Numbers Take a Hit

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

cattle numbers take hit
Cattle Numbers Take a Hit

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

10/14: Weekly Corn and Wheat Sales Above Expectations

Soybean sales within expectations.

Beef Today Report: FTAs Could Help Beef Industry

Free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia are expected to increase U.S. ag exports by nearly $2.5 billion.

Economics Behind Livestock ID

A study finds the U.S. and India are the only two major beef exporters that do not already have mandatory traceability systems.

Springfield Livestock Market 129
Where's Your Herd Headed?

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

Beef Production Down; More Cattle, Just Less of Them

Drought brought higher placements, but WASDE expects carcass weights to drop.

Canada Seals South Korean Trade Deal, US Stalls on FTA

Cattle group says stalling on the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement poses serious consequences for U.S agriculture.

Beef Exports Growing Overseas

in 2010, U.S. beef exports reached a value of more than $4 billion - the highest level on record.

April Pork, Beef Exports Lower than March

U.S. beef exports slowed slightly in April compared to the all-time record highs of the previous month, but remain strong.

Tens of Thousands Served through USMEF Japan Relief Effort

Groups of displaced Japanese citizens ranging from several hundred to more than 10,000 were served meals of U.S. beef and pork recently.