Until scientists develop a vaccine for African Swine Fever, the best way to deal with the disease is by prevention, scientists say. Therefore, all known contact with countries that have it in their herds must be handled with care.  And the best prevention is knowledge of the disease and how it can spread. To that … Read More

The USDA crop reports the last couple of months generated a certain amount of disbelief among traders and hedgers who felt acreage estimates were too high given the number of prevent-plant acres reported to the Farm Service Agency. Many also felt the yield estimates were too high as well, given the late planting date for … Read More

Recent cattle producer conclaves have railed against the beef packer for making huge profits while leaving the cattle feeder in the dust, but weekly USDA boxed beef data shoes that beef values are coming back toward normal. The USDA’s weekly average negotiated price for choice 600- to 900-pound carcasses jumped in August, possibly a response … Read More

As corn supplies and basis levels shift based on local ethanol plant activities and the availability of distiller’s grains, cattle feeders can be expected to alter their feeding rations to maintain energy and nutrition, said Extension Agricultural Economist Elliot Dennis of the University of Nebraska in a letter to Extension agents from the Livestock Marketing … Read More

Farmers became much more pessimistic about current financial conditions on their farms and in the US agricultural economy in late summer, according to the September Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The barometer is based on a mid-month survey of 400 agricultural producers across the US.  This month’s survey was conducted from September 9-13, 2019. … Read More

Seven weeks after the Aug. 8 fire at Tyson’s Finney County, Kan., beef plant, the ripple effects are clearer and fading as expected, an Oklahoma State University agricultural economist said in a letter to Extension agents. The fire caused huge market disruptions, but it is clear that no significant back-up of finished cattle occurred, despite … Read More

The USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report Friday was called bearish to futures prices Monday after its release. Market watchers were thought to be looking at a Sep. 1 inventory that grew less than 3% from the same time last year, but it was more than 3% and at the high end of expectations, trade … Read More