NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — The FAO Food Price Index for November reveals global food prices are continuing a downward trend. The index fell by more than 1 percent last month, marking the third straight month of declines.
Dairy, meat, sugar, and vegetable oil indices all fell, with sugar seeing the most significant drop at nearly 6 percent.
The cereal index was the only one to gain, rising just shy of 2 percent.
The overall index remains 22 percent off the record highs we saw back in March 2022.
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As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
Rail strength is helping stabilize grain movement, but river and export slowdowns continue to limit overall logistics momentum.
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
