Strong Finish for 2016 Red Meat Exports, New Volume Record for Pork

U.S. pork and beef exports wrapped up an excellent 2016 performance with very strong December results, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Pork export volume reached a record 2.31 million metric tons (mt) in 2016, up 8 percent year-over-year and 2 percent above the previous high in 2012. Export value increased 7 percent from a year …

Net Farm Income Expected to Dip further in 2017

Highlights From the February 2017 Farm Income Forecast Farm sector profitability measures are mixed for 2017. A narrow cash-based measure, net cash farm income, is forecast to rise by $1.6 billion to $93.5 billion from the 2016 value, an increase of 1.8 percent. In contrast, net farm income is forecast to decline by 8.7 percent to $62.3 billion, the fourth …

USDA Reminds Individuals and Small Businesses in Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi that USDA Offers Disaster Assistance Programs to Help

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses that could potentially be affected by the recent storms that USDA has several programs that provide assistance before, during and after disasters. USDA staff in the regional, State and county offices in the states of Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are ready to help. USDA encourages residents …

U.S. Trends in Food Availability

by Jeanine Bentley, Economic Research Service What Is the Issue? Since 1970, the U.S. obesity rate has almost tripled for adults and more than tripled for children and adolescents. Growing concern over the health of the American population from poor dietary habits and physical inactivity has concentrated attention on the food Americans eat, as well as how Americans could better meet …

National Dairy Promotion and Research Board Members Appointed

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 12 members to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. All appointees’ terms will begin immediately and end Oct. 31, 2019. Newly appointed members are: Arlene J. Vander Eyk (Region 2); Stephen D. Maddox (Region 2); Manuel C. Caballero (Region 3); Connie M. Seefeldt (Region 6); Bobby L. Combs (Region …

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Confirmed in South Korea

South Korea has confirmed the presence of foot-and-mouth disease at a dairy farm this week, the first confirmation in the country in nearly a year. Government officials say there is another suspected case in the nation, though it has yet to be confirmed. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida …

U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Supporting Zinke as Secretary of Interior

The United States Cattlemen’s Association Tuesday announced its support for Congressman Ryan Zinke, the nominee by President Donald Trump to the Secretary of Interior position. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved President Trump’s nominee for the position by a vote of 16-6 on January 31st. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future …

Heitkamp First Democrat to Back USDA Nominee Perdue

North Dakota Democrat, Senator Heidi Heitkamp this week endorsed Agriculture Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue. Heitkamp is the first Democrat in the Senate to endorse President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Agriculture. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman …

Ag Producers’ Confidence Surges During January

The Ag Economy Barometer continues to show increased producer confidence following the November election. Organized by Purdue University and the CME Group, the monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers from across the U.S. reached 153 in January, 21 points higher than December’s survey and 61 points higher than in October. The increase marks the most positive recorded sentiment by producers …

Agriculture Groups Stress Importance of Trade

More than 80 agriculture groups signed off on a letter to President Donald Trump Tuesday, calling on the administration to reduce and eliminate tariffs and other restrictive agricultural policies in the Asia-Pacific region. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril …