Demand for livestock loans grew in the third quarter, boosting agricultural lending activity. However, demand for operating loans was more subdued, and total non-real estate lending remained near its average of the past decade. The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Wednesday said the average size of loans for some livestock categories reached an all-time high and contributed to the increased …
Southeastern Hay Contest Winners Announced
In its 17th edition, the Southeastern Hay Contest (SEHC) saw a record number of entries coming from nine out of the thirteen states in the SE region. And those 387 entries provided some of the highest relative forage quality indexes (RFQ) ever. In the contest, producers can enter the SEHC in 7 categories of hay and baleage: warm season perennial grass …
Stay Vigilant on Handwashing and Hygiene
If you visited any public building or restroom during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have noticed an increased focus on handwashing and hygiene principles reflected in an abundance of signage on doors and in hallways. While it is great that public awareness has increased in the last 18 months, these have always been important principles, especially for all food-related businesses. …
Checkoff Dollars Important for Red Meat Exports
We told you this week that U.S. beef exports set a new value record in August, topping the $1 billion mark for the first time. Plus, pork exports saw another strong month in August remaining ahead of the record pace set last year. This is great news for the red meat industry, and checkoff dollars had a part in achieving …
Vilsack on State of the Livestock Industry
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently expressed to lawmakers his views on the state of the livestock industry and explained USDA efforts to address challenges. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That …
Livestock and Poultry Report on World Markets and Trade
Tuesday, the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) released their quarterly Livestock and Poultry Report on World Markets and Trade. This report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in livestock and poultry. It covers beef and veal, cattle, pork, swine and chicken meat. This new USDA report shows that China …
Register Now for National Grazing Lands Conference
The National Grazing Lands Coalition will hold its 8th National Grazing Lands Conference (8NGLC) at the Embassy Suites Kingston Resorts in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Dec. 6-9, 2021. But, they want folks who have yet to register for this in person event to know there are only a few days left to take advantage of the lower rate. Make sure to …
USDA Considering Waivers for Slower Pork Plant Processing Lines
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is working on a proposal for a waiver system for hog plants forced by a federal court to slow down their processing lines. Waivers that would allow plants to speed up processing lines again could renew concerns about worker safety but boost profits for pork companies and farmers. Vilsack didn’t specify what those …
New USDA Crop and Livestock Reports Coming
Traders are anxiously awaiting USDA’s next round of reports which should give us a better idea of the size and market prospects for the major crops. And as Gary Crawford reports, USDA will also release revised forecasts for the livestock sector. USDA will release the new round of crop and livestock forecasts on Tuesday, October 12, noon EDT. Sponsored ContentStrong …
Signup Deadline for Pandemic Livestock Program is Tuesday
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind livestock producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing, the signup deadline for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) is October 12, 2021. PLIP provides payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020, through December 26, 2020. Here is Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator …