economy

Despite an increase in net cash income for producers, the USDA is forecasting a nearly nine percent decline in net farm income which is a broader look at profits and other pieces of the ag economy.   USDA Chief Economist Rob Johannson said that likely means farm profits will be flat or decline in 2017.  ...

What are some considerations for a livestock producer placing cattle in feedlots for sale for the first time?  

Family farms account for about 99 percent of total U.S. farms and 89 percent of production according to a recent USDA study.   Economist Bob Hoppe said of those family farms, many are of the smaller variety.   “That means they have gross revenues of less than $350,000. They make up 9...

Current projections show similar low commodity prices in 2017 as there were in 2016.   American Farm Bureau’s Market Intelligence Director John Newton said, while likely, there could be a dramatic change.   “But we’re a weather event away from higher prices or we’re a trade disruption away from lower commodity prices. So, at this point in the year, i...

Many of the South American crops are starting to reach harvest time and that could play a major role in the ag economy for the U.S.   USDA’s Outlook Board Chair Seth Meyer said we’ll see a report on what they expect from South America Thursday.   “It has...

U.S. agriculture exports are off to a better start this fiscal year than last according to USDA economist Bryce Cooke.   For the months of October and November, exports were valued at $14.3 billion.   Cooke said that, “Is the highest total for any given month going back two years to November of 2014.”   That ...

Farmers and ranchers can learn more about business strategy, marketing, planning and more thanks to a WSU weekly course starting January 9th.   WSU Extension’s Kate Ryan said, “By the end of it, our goal is for our participants to have a business plan put together that they can use going forward to help them grow their business on their farm.”   For experie...

It’s a fear for many across the agriculture community...repeating the 1980s.  With low commodity prices and the possibility of interest rate hikes, some are concerned history is ready to repeat itself.  Purdue Economist Jason Henderson recently spoke at the National Agriculture Bankers Conference, in Indianapolis.  He was asked ...

The USDA’s latest report on cattle placements into feedlots show declines in number of placements and lower weights compared to October of last year.   Livestock Analyst Shayle Shagam said it is unclear if the herd expansion has finally slowed down, or stopped altogether, but what is clear is that feedlots and cattle producers are hurting.   “...

Changes in restrictions on U.S. trade to Cuba are progressing slowly, and don’t currently have a clear benefit to agriculture yet.   American Farm Bureau Trade Specialist Dave Salmonsen said changes in travel restrictions with cigars and run, and financing have minimal impact on ag.   “...