USDA and USAID Launch $1 Billion Food Aid Initiative
TL;DR: USDA and USAID announce a $1 billion initiative to distribute US-grown food globally for emergency aid. Emergency Assistance Plan The USDA, together with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a significant initiative. They will use $1 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation to buy US-grown food for global emergency assistance. Supporting […]
Urgent Call to Reinstate Cattle Survey
TL:DR: AFBF urges USDA to maintain midyear cattle surveys, vital for market fairness and research. AFBF’s Plea to USDA The American Farm Bureau Federation has formally requested the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue its midyear cattle survey. This comes after the USDA planned to cancel this and other reports due to budget cuts. Importance […]
Overview of 2022 U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its annual report, “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022”. This document details all sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and the carbon sequestered by forests and soils. U.S. Emissions in Context Agriculture accounts for just under 10% of total U.S. emissions, a smaller […]
New USDA Report: Updates on Wheat
Key Insights from Latest Data The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released pivotal reports as we near the end of the 2023/24 marketing year. These include the Prospective Plantings and the quarterly Grain Stocks reports, offering crucial data as we approach the 2024 harvest. Wheat Planting Trends USDA data suggests a decrease in […]
US Beef Trade Dynamics: Exports Decrease, Imports from Brazil and Australia Surge
TL;DR: US beef exports decline while imports from Brazil and Australia surge due to domestic production challenges and a strong US dollar affecting international competitiveness. Export Trends In the first two months of 2024, US beef exports decreased by 2.6%, continuing a downward trend from 2023. Notably, exports to major markets like Japan, South Korea, […]
US Beef Trade Dynamics: A Closer Look at 2024 Trends
TL;DR: US beef exports decreased while imports from Brazil and Australia surged, influenced by domestic production challenges and a strong US dollar enhancing the attractiveness of imports. Decline in Beef Exports US beef exports have faced a noticeable decline early in 2024, continuing a negative trend from the previous year. In February, exports decreased by […]
Delays in USDA Meat Processing Grants
TL;DR: USDA grant delays impact meat processors amid declining livestock inventories and potential price hikes. Funding for Meat Processors US meat processors and equipment makers have experienced significant delays in receiving federal grants for plant upgrades and equipment purchases. These funds were meant to facilitate expansions and modernizations. Reasons for Delay The USDA’s March Cold […]
Delays in USDA Meat Processing Grants: An Explanation
TL;DR: USDA meat processing grants face delays due to an overwhelming number of applications and staffing shortages, affecting processors awaiting funds for upgrades and expansions. Funding Challenges The USDA has committed over $1 billion to support meat processors and equipment manufacturers looking to upgrade plants, purchase new equipment, and expand operations. This move aims to […]
Cattle and Cotton Reports Discontinued
TL;DR: NASS cancels July Cattle Report and other surveys due to budget constraints, sparking criticism from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. NASS Decision The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has announced the cancellation of the July Cattle Report. It will also cease the Cotton Objective Yield Survey and all County Estimates for Crops and Livestock […]
Baltimore Port to Reopen Partially by April End
TL;DR: Baltimore Port, closed due to obstructions, to partially reopen by April end, fully by May end, pending weather and cleanup efforts of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. BALTIMORE – Officials have announced that the Baltimore Port, currently off-limits for large commercial ships, is slated to partially reopen by the 30th of April. Full […]
