smithfield

Smithfield CEO Confident in Growth, Downplays Industry Challenges

Dan Economy

Smithfield Foods CEO Shane Smith expressed optimism about the company’s future as it returned to the public stock market more than a decade after being acquired by China’s WH Group. Smith emphasized the company’s growth outlook while downplaying concerns about potential labor shortages due to mass deportations and the continued impact of bird flu on the meat industry. Smith said …

Rural Mainstreet

Rural Mainstreet Economy Contracts Again

Dan Economy

The January 2025 Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth neutral for the 16th time in the past 17 months. For the eighth time in the past nine months, farmland prices took a tumble. On average, bank CEOs who responded to the monthly survey expect annual cash rents of $278 per acre of non-irrigated, non-pasture farmland. Farm equipment sales also dropped, …

egg prices

Egg Prices are Soaring Due to Bird Flu

Dan Avian Influenza, Economy, Eggs, Poultry

It’s been national news for quite some time now, but bird flu is forcing farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month, pushing U.S. egg prices to more than double their cost in the summer of 2023. And it appears there may be no relief in sight, given the surge in demand as Easter approaches.  The average price per dozen …

Fertilizer Tariff Concerns Loom as Spring Planting Approaches

Dan Economy, Exports/Imports

Fertilizer markets are facing uncertainty due to ongoing tariff discussions. Farmers and industry experts are watching closely as potential price increases could impact critical inputs for the upcoming planting season. Josh Linville, a fertilizer market analyst, highlighted that supply chains are already tight, and the timing of the tariff decision complicates the situation. “Unfortunately, the timing of this could not …

varying conditions

Tracking Agricultural Commodities after One Month

Dan Commodities, Cotton, Economy, Field Crops, Soybeans, Specialty Crops

Today, Mark Oppold takes time to review how certain agricultural commodities performed during the first month of trading in 2025. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports …

Meat Institute

Meat Institute Strategies to Reduce Meat Prices

Dan Beef, Economy, Marketing

The Meat Institute sent a letter to President Donald Trump to provide strategies to reduce burdensome regulations and address meat prices for consumers. The letter included a list of recommended actions for the administration to take, including rescinding the final rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act put in place in March 2024. “Despite a lack of legal authority and court …

economic

Economic Forecast Calling for a Slowdown

Dan Economy

A new economic forecast is calling for a slowdown. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, …

nutrition

Learn More about Nutrition Strategies

Dan Economy

Next week, farmers will have a chance to learn more about nutrition strategies. Mark Oppold has more information. To learn more, click here. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …

tariffs

Still Questions about Possible Tariffs

Dan Economy, Export/Import, Tariff

There are still a lot of questions about possible tariffs coming from the Trump Administration. Mark Oppold has more information. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …