Livestock
Consumers are showing stronger demand for meat at grocery stores as financial pressure weighs on restaurant spending.
Lower beef and pork inventories point to tighter supplies, while growing turkey stocks could add pressure heading into fall.
Record cattle prices are making replacement-heifer decisions more costly as producers consider rebuilding their herds.
Meridan Agribusiness Advisors researchers estimate beef-on-dairy cattle now account for roughly 20 percent of calf and beef supply, with room to grow.
Ranchers are raising concerns as the U.S. cattle industry works to rebuild a historically tight herd.
Texas has lifted movement restrictions in five counties after officials determined wild screwworm populations had been eliminated in those areas.
More cows are driving higher milk production despite rising replacement and feed costs.
Lower beef cow and heifer slaughter is adding to signs of potential herd rebuilding.
Heavier cattle are helping maintain beef output as tighter supplies continue to reduce slaughter numbers.
Wide gaps between cash cattle and futures prices are making it harder for feeders to hedge risk and protect margins.
USDA is expanding support for heifer retention, disaster recovery and regional processing as it looks to encourage long-term cattle expansion.
For U.S. dairy producers, maintaining access to the Canadian market will remain a major priority as trade negotiations continue.
Protein demand is creating new markets for U.S. dairy products as consumers shift toward yogurt, cottage cheese and whey.
The four-day event will focus on practical ideas and connections for cattle producers and grazing operations.
Dryness Pressures Livestock As Harvest Activity Accelerates Nationwide
USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative includes new risk management tools, processing programs and efforts to rebuild the American beef herd.
Cattle: Beef & Dairy
The Antitrust Division says it sent letters to Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize, Costco, and Amazon.
Declining fluid milk consumption is spreading less volume across a growing number of processing plants.
Drought is forcing cattle producers to secure winter feed early as costs climb.
Pork
The latest USDA numbers point to stable near-term pork supplies, while a smaller breeding herd could limit future production growth.
USDA forecasts beef prices will rise 9.8 percent in 2026 as cattle producers push back against a proposal to increase foreign beef imports.
Researchers are also working to strengthen African swine fever preparedness.
Poultry
The Poultry Pioneers program explores egg quality across different breeds.
SharkFarmer’s next “Man on the Street,” Tyler Froberg, says blending education and entertainment effectively tells agriculture’s story and bridges farmers with consumers.
Beef losses mounted as poultry and pork operations posted stronger results.
Sheep, Goats & Lamb
The affected sheep was not carrying an official ear tag, which may limit traceability.
The Virginia Farm Bureau highlights how Joseph Bates transformed a small herd into a thriving operation.
U.S. agriculture monitors Brazil tariffs and a new lamb import investigation as trade policy changes could impact farmers, ranchers, and global markets.
