The number of cattle sold to beef packers from Kansas feedlots in November rose from the seasonal low in October but continue to run less than a year ago. The information came from data accumulated by the Kansas State University Extension Service in a monthly survey of selected feedlots around the state.  The data was … Read More

Livestock markets this year look to capitalize on reduced world protein supplies associated with African swine fever in Asia, according to Todd Hubbs, agricultural economist at the University of Illinois, in a presentation at the Illinois Farm Economics Summit in December. Hubbs said he expected robust exports through the year.  Domestic meat demand also remains … Read More

The USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist Friday reduced its estimate of 2019 total red meat and poultry production to 50.203 billion pounds from 50.246 billion last month as lower forecasts for pork and turkey production more than offset predictions of higher beef production. The forecasts came in the USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and … Read More

An early look at crop budgets for 2020 indicates a shift back toward greater corn production is likely, suggesting acreage could be pushed back above 90 million, said Purdue University agricultural economist James Mintert and Purdue associate professor Mindy Mallory in a 2020 outlook. Combined with a possible return to trend-line yields this year, that … Read More

US pork exports posted the largest month on record in November, easily reaching new highs in volume and value, while the month’s beef exports were below November 2018 totals, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation.   PORK EXPORTS SURGE   Pork exports surged to 259,812 tonnes … Read More

US farmers are optimistic about the future, even though their perception of current economic conditions is down, according to a monthly survey of farmer perceptions by Purdue University. As a result of that dichotomy of views, the Ag Economy Barometer essentially drifted sideways in December to a reading of 150, compared with 153 in November.  … Read More

Large commodity investment funds, known as managed money, cut their net long commitment to live cattle futures during the week ended Tuesday, according to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The CFTC’s Commitments of Traders report normally is released on Fridays but was delayed to Monday by last week’s New Year’s Day holiday. The … Read More