Wednesday, the Federal Reserve published its latest Beige Book, saying most of the 12 Federal Reserve districts reported little or no change in economic activity since the previous publication in December. The Federal Reserve publishes the Beige Book eight times a year, reporting economic activity in each district plus a summary.   OVERALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY … Read More

Cattle can withstand some pretty severe cold weather as long as they are dry, university scientists report, but in extreme cold situations, some extra care is needed. Some things carry a good/bad result, and body weight will be lost on most cattle.  However, the best thing that can be done is to provide the best … Read More

The USDA raised its estimates of US red meat and poultry production for 2023 from last month because of higher beef, pork and broiler production in the fourth quarter, the agency reported in its monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report Friday.   BEEF PRODUCTION SEEN HIGHER   For 2023, the beef production forecast … Read More

The United Kingdom provides growth opportunities for US consumer-oriented products including specialty foods, wine, sauces, fruits and nuts, said a report from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. The key problem for the US is that UK consumers are willing to try foods from other countries, but they expect quality products at a competitive price, while … Read More

Fueled by record performances in Mexico, Central America and Colombia, November US pork exports reached the highest value since mid-2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. US beef exports slowed in November, recording the third lowest value of 2023, the USMEF said.   PORK EXPORTS SOAR   … Read More

An anticipated shortfall of slaughter-ready cattle may have begun late last year, if Kansas feedlot closeouts are the “canary in the mine” for such an event. Data from Kansas feedlots collected by the Kansas State University Extension service and compiled and published by the Livestock Marketing Information Center in Denver show November feedlot closeouts, or … Read More

Beef carcass cutout values ended 2023 with a whimper, remaining fairly flat through December although holding at a higher level than 2022 or the 2017-2021 average, according to USDA data compiled and published by the Livestock Marketing Information Center. And since the cutout almost always begins at a lower level in the first weeks of … Read More