exports

Benefits to Proposed Rule for Competition in Meatpacking Industry

USDA recently released its fifth and final proposed rule to beef up competition in the highly consolidated meatpacking industry – seeking advice on price discovery and competition in markets for fed cattle. Rusty Halvorson has the story.  Joe Maxwell, the co-founder of Farm Action, says one of the real problems facing cattle producers is a lack of transparency. “In cattle …

cattle

Various Factors Affecting Livestock Trade

Various factors are affecting livestock markets at this time. Mark Oppold explains what those are and what can be expected the next few days. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied …

fsis

U.S. Egg Production Down Two Percent, Milk Production Slightly Higher

U.S. egg production totaled 8.92 billion during September 2024, down two percent from the same time last year. Production included 7.65 billion table eggs and 1.27 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.18 billion were broiler-type and 91.3 million were egg-type. The average number of layers in the U.S. during September totaled 375 million, down three percent from last year. September …

topsoil

Latest Topsoil Moisture Condition Report

USDA’s latest topsoil moisture condition report reflects a dramatic increase in very-short to short ratings from the previous week, as well as levels not reached in two years. Rod Bain has more. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …

off-farm

Regional Conservation Partnership Program Project Investments

The Agriculture Secretary this week announced the latest in Regional Conservation Partnership Program project investments. Here’s Rod Bain. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …

loan assiatance tool

FSA Updates Loan Assistance Tool to Support Lenders

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has updated its Loan Assistance Tool (LAT) to better assist lenders with the loan application process. Originally designed to help farmers and ranchers streamline their loan applications, the LAT now offers new features tailored to meet the needs of lenders, improving access to resources and simplifying loan guarantees. The LAT provides an interactive, step-by-step guide, …

American Agriculture History

American Agriculture History Minute: Tennessee Valley Authority Act Passes

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. In the early 1930s, roughly 9 out of 10 rural homes were still without electric power. Farm families quickly learned to use every minute of sunlight for outdoor chores and lift their homes with kerosene lanterns at night. That would begin to change in May 1933, passage of the Tennessee Valley …

Cattle on Feed Report

USDA Raises Beef Production Outlook, Trims Dairy Expectations

USDA’s October beef production outlook was noticeably higher compared to the prior month’s forecast. Rusty Halvorson has more details. USDA outlook board chairman Mark Jakenowski says beef production is expected to grow both this year – and next year. “Beef production was raised 210 million pounds for 2024. We’ve been seeing some increased steer and heifer slaughter and also higher …

FFA Week

National FFA Convention & Expo Continues

FFA members and supporters from across the country are in Indianapolis this week for the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo. This is the largest gathering of FFA members annually. Attendees are competing, explore various careers and meeting with other members from across the country.  This Saturday, on the last day of the event, the new National FFA Officer team will …

Wall Street

Wall Street Discussing Interest Rate Cuts

Cuts in interest rates are once again topping conversations on Wall Street. Mark Oppold explains what the thinking is at this time. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, …