The USDA’s estimate of total US red meat and poultry production for 2025 was forecast lower than last month Friday, with lower beef and turkey production forecasts more than offsetting higher pork and broiler production estimates.   BEEF PRODUCTION ESTIMATE LOWERED   The 2025 beef production estimate was lowered to 26.188 million pounds from 26.358 … Read More

CNBC reported Thursday that US President Donald Trump had imposed a 50% tariff rate on Brazil’s exports to the US on Aug. 1, as retaliation for what he called “unfair trade practices.” The tariff increase sparked concerns in international markets of the shift in trade balances that likely will ensue.  The US could import less … Read More

The Mexican border is closed again this morning as Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality reported a new case of New World Screwworm farther north than it was before. News reports say the case is only about 370 miles south of the US/Mexico border and about 160 miles north of the current … Read More

At this point in the year and the phased schedule of crossing reopenings, US imports of Mexican cattle may not catch up with normal. The USDA said the first border points open to livestock imports are the ones farthest away from southern Mexico and, therefore, the least likely to bring in the unwanted New World … Read More

Questions about when and if the US beef cow herd is starting to be rebuilt after years of decline run rampant through the industry. Trying to pin down when the rebuild will begin is a little like trying to catch smoke with your bare hand, but some indicators could be pertinent in deducing if it … Read More

US beef and pork exports trended lower in May, primarily because of steep declines in shipments to China, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. In April and the first half of May, China’s total tariff rate on US pork peaked at 172%, while the rate for U. … Read More

7-7-25 – Feedlot closeouts of fed steers from the average Kansas feedlot plummeted in May while their average exit weight rose seasonally, according to data from the Kansas State University Extension service. Closeouts of fed heifers also declined sharply, but the drop was less notable on yearly graphs. The KSU Extension service collects performance and … Read More