Livestock
Tight cattle supplies, higher beef prices, and shifting global demand continue to slow U.S. beef exports as analysts await USDA cattle reports.
USMCA negotiations now include concerns over Mexico’s water treaty compliance, while the U.S. advances a federal investigation into lamb imports that could lead to new trade protections.
The measure would allow federal savings associations to make agricultural loans and ease startup requirements for new rural banks.
The House farm bill includes a pilot program designed to expand direct beef marketing within state lines.
Kylee and Henry Francis now operate Evergreen Beef Company and are finalists for the Arkansas Farm Bureau award.
Despite near-record cattle prices, widespread drought is complicating efforts to rebuild the nation’s cow herd.
Ground products account for more than half of U.S. beef consumption. Trading volume will determine whether the contracts provide dependable hedging and clearer price discovery across the beef market.
USDA reports about 46 percent of the nation’s cattle are now in drought-affected areas.
Canadian wildfire smoke and extreme heat are adding pressure as the U.S. corn crop enters pollination.
Beef-on-dairy cattle have changed the makeup of feedlots and replacement markets.
The Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking comments on possible changes to Prime marbling classifications and skeletal maturity requirements for cattle verified younger than 30 months. Comments are due September 8, 2026.
The announcement comes as the United States, Canada, and Mexico continue negotiations over the future of the USMCA trade agreement.
USDA data shows larger operations continue to lower production costs while reshaping the U.S. hog industry.
Asian longhorn ticks are spreading across parts of the Midwest, raising livestock concerns as researchers explore new pest control technology.
USDA recommends producers contact their local Farm Service Agency office as soon as practical after a qualifying disaster to discuss available programs and reporting requirements.
Kiowa Honey Company moves thousands of bee colonies between California and Nebraska every six months.
Cattle: Beef & Dairy
The lack of progress on agricultural negotiations leaves producers relying more heavily on bilateral trade agreements.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses new U.S.-Canada tariffs, the potash exemption, and what the latest trade tensions could mean for USMCA negotiations and agriculture.
Tight cattle supplies and continued consumer demand for beef helped support one of the industry’s largest summer video auctions.
Pork
Ten more meat and poultry companies have adopted USDA’s voluntary label for products sourced entirely in the United States.
Lower feed costs continue to support producers, but weaker hog prices are reducing profit margins.
Industry leaders say continued monitoring, communication, and prevention efforts will be key to keeping U.S. livestock herds protected from foreign animal disease threats.
Poultry
Growing energy and water demand from data centers could affect utility costs for poultry operations.
Oklahoma has reached a nearly $44 million settlement with six poultry companies, resolving a 21-year lawsuit centered on pollution in the Illinois River Watershed.
Sheep, Goats & Lamb
California Farm Bureau says higher wage requirements could threaten goat grazing operations used for wildfire prevention.
Jamieson Greer says rising imports may be harming U.S. lamb producers through lost sales and reduced market share.
A June 30 sustainability analysis notes that beef, dairy, pork, poultry, sheep, goats, and aquaculture all face different production realities.
