Ag groups have been preparing for President Trump’s tariffs for some time now. One dairy group says that preparation has actually helped their numbers.
“So, certainly, folks have been gearing up. That’s actually been good for our trade data so far. We’re moving a lot more product because folks don’t want to be out of U.S. products during these times,” said Sarah Dorland, a dairy economist with Ceres Dairy Risk Management.
Dorland says it does not take much market action to shake up the dairy economy. While they are shipping a lot of products now, she warns that could change drastically in the future.
U.S. dairy products are looking at an additional 10 percent tariff from China in the coming days. China has responded with its own tariffs that aim to target a number of U.S. ag goods. They include a 15 percent tariff on all U.S. chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton. There is also an extra 10 percent on U.S. soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Chinese officials say those take effect March 10th.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
January 20, 2026 08:00 AM
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Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
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Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
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Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
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U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
January 19, 2026 11:40 AM
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