Monthly Reports

Heavy placements of cattle on feed portend future beef production

The USDA's latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry outlook reports that during the first half of 2011, net placements were 2 percent above placements for the first half of 2010 as drought has pushed cattle off pastures in many parts of the country, and most of these feeder cattle have gone into feedlots. ... Full story.

Hog prices forecast higher, pork production reduced

According to the USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate report, hog prices are forecast higher for both 2011 and 2012 as stronger export demand in both years support prices. Small changes are made to the 2011 forecast of total red meat and poultry production. ... Full story.