U.S. Meat Export

Americans spent a record amount on food last year, even with inflation considered, partly for the convenience of take-out and restaurant food, said two USDA economists.

The Senate confirmed Alexis Taylor as USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and U.S. ag groups reacted positively

World food prices fell for a third straight month in June, but the United Nation’s food agency says those prices are close to record levels set in March.

The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization says its Food Price Index set a record in March. The index averaged 159.3 points, up almost 18 points from February.

Timber harvesting, hauling and processing businesses can now apply for grants to offset financial losses suffered during the pandemic.

Canada and Mexico remain committed to the NAFTA agreement. Ag officials will be talking at the 22nd World Meat Congress in Dallas.

NAFTA talks between the U.S., Canada and Mexico concluded four days of ministerial-level meetings. U.S. is working on a export deal on Red Meat with Mexico.

Beef industry priorities providing direction to checkoff contractors. In the beef industry, cow-calf, feedlots, and packers, all made money in 2017.

USDA’s programs unable to achieve reduction in emissions to meet water quality goals. India is a growing market for U.S. pork with excellent long-term growth.

Fewer wheat acreage causing some recent bearish news in the wheat markets. Federal crop insurance popular among farmers. New grading standards for Mexican beef.