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OMB Confirms Government Shutdown Wouldn't Halt Meat Inspections

Some other USDA operations would continue, but many wouldn't

OMB Confirms Government Shutdown Wouldn't Halt Meat Inspections

Some other USDA operations would continue, but many wouldn't

U.S., Colombia Reach Trade Deal

The U.S.-Colombia agreement represents U.S. agricultural export gains of more than $815 million per year at full implementation.

Out to Pasture: Should We Consider Steak a Byproduct?

I’ve always thought of export markets as important to byproducts—the stuff you and I won’t eat. But if this economy doesn’t improve, or corn prices don’t come down, we may have to start thinking of the loin as a byproduct—not something Americans won’t eat so much as something they can’t afford to eat.

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Can Cattle Prices Last?

As commodities skyrocket, you have to wonder how much feeder cattle placements are really worth.

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Effect of Japanese Earthquake on U.S. Ag Imports Mixed

The Japanese earthquake could have a large effect on U.S. grain and beef exports, but likely will have only a minor effect.

U.S. Pork, Beef Exports off to Solid Start in 2011

January exports of U.S. pork and beef were well above year-ago levels.

Middle East Unrest Will Likely Drive Nitrogen Fertilizer Costs Up

Escalating unrest in the Middle East is not only going to continue to drive fuel prices up, there’s also a good chance it will do the same to the costs of fertilizing pastures

U.S. Ag Registers Record Export Value for 2010

New fiscal year also off to a strong start

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Carryout Number and Prices Favor Higher Corn Acreage

A drop in corn stocks means prices are headed higher. These anticipated unprecedented levels mean more corn in 2011.

Taiwan's Testing Policy Creating Beef Export Slow Down

The U.S. Meat Export Federation says Taiwan's mandatory testing for ractopamine hydrochloride is creating uncertainty.

Changes Predicted for Restaurant Industry in 2011

As the nation begins to emerge from recession, changes are on the way for the restaurant industry in 2011

Editor's Notebook: Positive Outlook for 2011

On the topsy-turvy roller-coaster ride of cattle prices this past year, one thing that most economists agree on is that the cattle industry remains in a strong position going into 2011. Cattle supplies continue to be at their lowest while demand is steady. The one monkey wrench in what could be a great year for cattle producers is high feed costs.

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Global Opportunities For U.S. Seedstock

U.S. breeders find new markets for genetics overseas

Food Safety Legislation Finally Becomes Reality

President Obama will sign bill into law

China Commits to Resume Beef Trade Talks With U.S.

Team to head to China in early January

USMEF: October Beef and Pork Exports Exceptionally Strong

U.S. Meat Export Federation data shows October was a very strong month for U.S. red meat exports.

Can Beef Export Gains Outpace Corn Fundamentals?

The outlook for 2011 shows potential profits for all segments of the beef industry.

Biofuels Provisions Now Part of Tax Cut Plan

But House Democrats want changes, focusing mostly on estate taxes

USDA/DOJ Competition Workshops Conclude

Washington, D.C. session pulled previous sessions together and had focus on margins.

Senate Glitch Delays Food Safety Legislation... Again

Passage still expected despite Senate move which ran afoul of the Constitution.

EPA Slashes Cellulosic Ethanol Target

Agency orders cut from 250 million gallons to 6.6 million.

Can Livestock Eat $6 Corn?

Supply-and-demand prospects look good

USDA Pegs 2010 Net Cash Farm Income at a Record

Debt-to-asset ratio down to 11.3%

Lame Ducks Flock Back to Washington

But will they actually accomplish much?

Large Cattle Buyer on the Skids

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.

Ag Economist: Higher Feed Costs Mean Pricier Meat in 2011

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.

November Elections Loom with Republicans Poised for Gains

GOP could retake House, but Senate control could elude them

EPA Clears E15 for 2007 & Newer Cars & Light Trucks

Agency still to make additional calls yet on E15

Lawmakers to EPA: You Have A Problem in Farm Country

Senators urge "common-sense" approach to EPA regulations.

Demand to Set Another Record

Ethanol and worldwide shortages brighten export picture

USDA Boosts 2010 Farm Income Forecast

Updated information from USDA

USDA Raises FY 2010 Ag Export Forecast

Bigger ag trade surplus also forecast

Retained Ownership: Now is a Good Time to Gain more Value

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

Montana to Korea

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

Mexico Eliminates Anti-dumping Duties on U.S. Beef

Mexico eliminates anti-dumping duties that have been imposed on imports of U.S. beef for the past 10 years.

China-New Zealand Move Forward on New Beef Trade Deal

A multimillion dollar trade deal to facilitate New Zealand beef exports into China as a result of a recent bilateral trade agreement

Don't Be Aggressive on Feed Needs

With corn, wheat and soybeans putting in short-term lows, we asked a few analysts if it is time to lock in feed needs now.

April Pork, Beef Export Value Well Above 2009 Levels

U.S. pork exports had an impressive month in April, and the news was even better for U.S. beef.

Cattle on Feed: Improving Demand

Listen to audio analysis from these experts about the Cattle on Feed report.

Cattle On Feed: Postive Report

Hear Steve Kay, Cattle Buyers Weekly editor and publisher, comment on the January Cattle on Feed report.

Cattle On Feed: Bullish Report

Expert analysis of USDA's Cattle on Feed report and what it means to producer marketing.

Cattle On Feed: Neutral Report

Listen to audio analysis from these experts about USDA's Cattle on Feed report.

Somewhat Negative Cattle on Feed Report

Steve Kay, Cattle Buyer''s Weekly, provides insight to the August Cattle on Feed Report.

Slightly Positive Cattle Reports

Steve Kay, of Cattle Buyer''s Weekly, says today's reports can be regarded as slighly positive.

June 2009 Cattle on Feed Report

Exclusive commentary on the June 19 COF from Steve Kay of Cattle Buyers' Weekly.

Outlook

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

Out to Pasture: Reasons to hate this downturn

It looks like the U.S. beef industry may have missed the best of the weak dollar’s half-off sale on U.S. exports.

Get Cool

Industry leaders still sort out COOL regulations.

Beef value cuts promoted in Mexico

In an effort to extend the profile of beef value cuts beyond the domestic market, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and the Texas Beef Council teamed up last week to promote the quality and affordability of these items to Wal-Mart directors and employees in Mexico.