Tariffs are also top of mind for farmers and ranchers. Leaders at R-Calf are closely watching news out of the White House and say U.S. trade needs to be rebalanced in favor of U.S. producers.
“The best way to reverse this is to impose tariffs on imported products as to level the playing field between our domestic producers and the cheaper imported products. The tariffs would have the effect of elevating the cheaper product value, and so our domestic producers can then compete on a level playing field,” said Bill Bullard.
Cattle producers are eager for tomorrow’s Cattle on Feed Report. However, the Farm Bureau says it is this month’s Cattle Inventory Report that will catch a lot of eyes.
“We’re anticipating some decrease in the overall cattle inventory. Overall, if we look at the industry expectations, what some of the analysts are throwing out there, they’re expecting even placements from last year, or even 101 percent of last year, and I find this a little bit surprising. Even if we look at a one to two percent decline, that still brings us down to that 86-and-a-half million mark, and that’s still the fewest cattle we’ve had in 73 years,” said Bernt Nelson.
The January Cattle Inventory Report comes out on January 31st at 3:00 PM Eastern.
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
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
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
·
