A recurring theme in the 2016 outlook for the agriculture and food sectors is challenging. The long-term trend of improving demand due to population growth and developing country income gains has met with some difficult cyclical developments. (more…)
The U.S. outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in spring 2015 has predominantly affected turkey and egg producers; broiler producers have felt minimal effects. Prior to the outbreak, analysts estimated the U.S. egg laying flock at roughly 303 million birds. (more…)
With the outlook for corn and soybean prices decidedly bearish for the remainder of the 2014 – 2015 crop season and into the 2015 – 2016 crop season, the economics of corn and soybean farming have become a challenging proposition. (more…)
The U.S. lumber industry faces continual volatility, with major market swings a reality for those working within the industry. The interplay between domestic and foreign trade contributes to an unpredictable lumber market. Additionally, macroeconomic demand factors, such as U.S. housing starts, have a major effect on the market.
A March 27, 2015 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report indicated sharply higher supplies of hogs and pork in 2015, caused by an over-expansion of animal breeding in a proactive effort to compensate in case the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) epidemic repeated itself during the 2014 winter. (more…)
Since the beginning of April and the return of planting season, it has been almost impossible to read, watch, or listen to national news without hearing increasingly detailed stories about the continuing drought in California. (more…)
The composition of grocery store dairy aisles is shifting due to changing consumer perceptions and expectations, evolving production constraints, innovative product development, marketing, and package design.
