US September pork exports increased 10% year-over-year, keeping 2020 exports on a record pace, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. Beef exports were fairly steady with last year in major Asian markets but trended lower overall, the USMEF said.   CHINA LEADS AS US PORK BUYER … Read More

The growing La Nina in the Equatorial Pacific is forecast to keep the southern US warmer and drier than normal through the winter, expanding dry and droughty conditions across the western half of the country. The weekly US Drought Monitor from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday showed that most of the western … Read More

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 27 points to a reading of 183 in October to set a record high, said Purdue University Agricultural Economist James Mintert, in a release about the barometer. Farmers were more optimistic about the future and current financial situations on their farms as the Current Conditions Index rose … Read More

The pandemic-induced economic crisis is set to leave deep scars on world economies, said International Monetary Fund Economists Oya Celasun, Lone Christiansen and Margaux Mad Donald in an IMF blog. Capital erosion from prolonged high unemployment and school closures, value destruction from bankruptcies, and constraints on future fiscal policy from elevated public debt top the … Read More

Large commodity index funds, called managed money, again sold live cattle futures aggressively during the week ended Tuesday, taking them to their lowest collective net long position in more than five months. That was according to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday.  The report also said cattle owners covered their … Read More

A large weekend winter storm stressed Plains states cattle, said Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, in a letter to Extension Agents called Cow/Calf Corner. Fluctuating temperatures and cold, wet conditions stress cattle, particularly weaning calves, stockers and feedlot cattle, Peel said.  The challenges for feedlot cattle followed excellent feeding conditions for … Read More

Despite increasing somewhat from last year, originations of new farm loans at commercial banks remained subdued in the third quarter, said the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in a news release. Prices for most agricultural commodities remained low leading into the third quarter, contributing to a weak economic environment and weighing on lending conditions … Read More