Tracking the Grain Trade

As we are about to wrap up the month of April, many traders are tracking the grain trade. Mark Oppold notes they are watching the weekly planting updates closely.  Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding …

Enrollment for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage Ends April 29

Dairy producers are being reminded the deadline to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) is April 29, 2024. This important safety net program provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences.  USDA’s Farm Service Agency has revised the regulations for DMC to allow eligible dairy operations to make a one-time adjustment to established production history. This …

AADA Opening Applications for a Second Round Under the Alabama Meat Processing Program

The Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) is opening applications for a second round under the Alabama Meat Processing Program (AMPP). This program is a result of a $15 million award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) to the AADA. Applications for Phase II are open now and will close …

Possible Signs of Cows Being Held Back for Breeding

Breeding is a critical aspect of managing a cattle operation, whether it’s for dairy or beef production. Selecting the right cows for breeding ensures the continued health, productivity, and profitability of the herd. However, identifying cows that are being held back for breeding requires a keen eye and an understanding of the subtle signs that may indicate they are being …

Cattle Futures Seeing Pressure

Since the March Cattle on Feed Report came out last Friday, live and feeder futures have been seeing some pressure. Mark Oppold has a look at what traders are seeing. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides …

Drought Conditions Influence Fluctuations in Beef Cattle Herd

New data from USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) shows that changes in drought conditions impact the size of the U.S. beef cattle herd. Specifically, when the percentage of land area of drought increases for an extended period as noted in the U.S. Drought Monitor, the U.S. beef cattle herd often declines. In 2023, with more than 65 percent of U.S. …

USCA Calls Product of USA Rule a Victory

The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) calls USDA’s final voluntary ‘Product of USA‘ rule a victory. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the rule earlier this week at the National Farmers Union annual convention. USCA has worked tirelessly to clarify years of confusion at the consumer level regarding the labeling of U.S. beef products. Starting in 2017, USCA’s Director Emeritus Leo …

Good Demand Found at Recent Cattle Sale

Continued good demand is being found for both feeders and calves across the country. Mark Oppold looks at how cattle sold during a recent sale. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to …

Predicting Factors for the Upcoming Growing Season

A new report looks at some factors that could affect various crops in the upcoming growing season. Mark Oppold has more on that, but first looks at how some commodities are trading thus far this year. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril …