Industry Headlines

Canada cattle report: Canadaian showlists higher on carry over

Technical price levels improved last week as the Canadian dollar retracted and cattle futures rebounded. ... Full story.

Trade deal with U.S. could harm Colombia farmers

Colombia promised that a free trade agreement with the United States will create jobs and stimulate the economy, but farmers in the Andean nation fear their livelihoods are at risk and they will become prey of large U.S. agribusiness. ... Full story.

NCBA supports USDA proposed comprehensive BSE rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in the Federal Register a comprehensive rule for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) on March 16, 2012. ... Full story.

Monday Market Sentiment: Cash market steady, mixed expectations

A survey of cattle-industry leaders suggests the average price for cash cattle will remain steady, expecting an increase of 34 cents to $120.65 per cwt this week. ... Full story.

Cow prices remain at record levels

Cull cow prices were record high in 2011 and are on pace to set another record high in 2012. Prices for 85-90% lean slaughter cows in the Southern Plains started 2012 at $70 per hundredweight (cwt.) and increased seasonally throughout January and February. Since late February, prices have traded in a fairly narrow trading range of $85 to $87/cwt., and have averaged about $10 higher than last year. High prices in 2011 were in spite of relatively large cow slaughter, particularly in the last half of the year. ... Full story.

Does ethanol really lower the price of gasoline?

The latest USDA Supply Demand Report indicated that corn processing for ethanol purposes would not increase much from the 2011 crop to the 2012 crop. ... Full story.

Top 100 ag banks of 2011 posted

The American Bankers Association has been posting the list of the largest agricultural banks on the association’s website during the last few years. Final list for the 2011 year was recently posted. ... Full story.

Corn planting progress raises yield prospects for 2012/13

As of May 6, 71 percent of the U.S. corn crop had been planted, compared with an average of 47 percent in 2007-11 and 32 percent in 2011/12. ... Full story.

Standoff in cash cattle as beef prices slip, feeders higher

Packers and feeders were locked in a standoff most of last week with a few cattle trading late Friday. Stocker and feeder cattle found higher bids while cash corn moved 7 cents per bushel lower. Boxed beef prices slipped from recent highs. ... Full story.

Consumers feeling better, spending more

A consumer confidence index surprised analysts by climbing to its highest level in four years this month, and consumer spending is up, according to a pair of reports from Bloomberg News. Continued consumer optimism should be positive for domestic meat demand, especially beef as consumers often view it as a luxury meat item. ... Full story.

Tally Time – Measuring reproductive responses

Operations that use artificial insemination (AI) and synchronization of estrus continually strive to increase pregnancy rates to AI. ... Full story.

The Peoples’ Department: 150 years of USDA

On May 15, we will recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. On that date in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act of Congress establishing USDA. ... Full story.