Mexican Beef Imports Delayed and Tractor and Combine Sales Slow

**Last week, the USDA reversed course on comments that it may let cattle imports from Mexico into the U.S. resume before the holidays.

It suspended those imports in November due to discovery of the New World screwworm in Mexico.

The agency says it’s approved a second round of emergency funding to block the flesh-eating livestock pest from getting into the U.S.

USDA says shipments will likely resume incrementally after the New Year.

**The Association of Equipment Manufacturers released the November 2024 Ag Tractor/Combine Sales Report that shows lower numbers than November 2023.

U.S. sales of all tractors dropped 14.5% compared to the same time last year.

U.S. combine sales remain soft, showing a decline of 24% year to date.

AEM Sr. VP Curt Blades says this slowdown can be traced back to high interest rates and uncertainty in the ag economy.

**The Farm Credit Administration’s board received an update on economic issues affecting agriculture.

The U.S. economy has continued to show modest growth, as gains in productivity support real wage growth and boost consumer spending.

There’s a sharp divergence in returns for crop and livestock sectors that has become apparent as producers enter 2025.

Specialty crop producers continue to be exposed to fast-growing costs such as labor and interest on farm debt.