Livestock Articles
Sioux Falls Smithfield Employees Test COVID-19 Positive
Published April 9, 2020
More than 80 employees at Smithfield Foods are confirmed to have the coronavirus, according to health officials on Wednesday. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based pork processing plant is taking necessary measures to protect workers. That includes temporary closure, expanding rigorous…Cattle Investigations Will Take Some Time
Published April 9, 2020
The USDA is now investigating cattle prices during the coronavirus. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says it will take some time. "The USDA hasn't yet released their investigation on what happened in the wake of the Holcomb fire. If these…AFBF Analysis: Low Price Levels Threaten Farmer’s Livelihood
Published April 9, 2020
According to an updated economic analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation, crop and livestock prices are falling to levels that threaten the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. Since the beginning of the year, both beef and pork futures declined…MN Beef Update
Published April 8, 2020
Minnesota Beef is reaching people during this time of the coronavirus, as more people are staying home and cooking. Learn more about that outreach from Minnesota Beef Council communications director Beck Church in the MN Beef Update.Immediate Assistance Sought for Dairy Farmers
Published April 7, 2020
The National Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association have submitted a joint request to USDA, seeking assistance for dairy farmers. With school closures and the foodservice sector at a standstill, dairy product sales have crashed. That has…AG and CFTC Urged to Monitor for Market Manipulation
Published April 7, 2020
House Agriculture Committee Collin Peterson is asking Attorney General William Barr and Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Heath Tarbert to monitor the U.S. cattle markets. With the dramatic changes in the futures market, Peterson wants the Trump Administration to consider…Pastureland Values Decline in ND
Published April 6, 2020
According to NDSU Extension, North Dakota pastureland values are down nearly three percent and the average pasture rental rates are down about 5.1 percent. The largest drops in rental rates are in the northwestern and south central part of North…Big Feeder Cattle Numbers in a Down Market
Published April 6, 2020
A snowstorm and the collapse in the markets last week resulted in the rescheduling of the feeder cattle sale at Herried Livestock Auction. The sale will now take place tomorrow. "There are quite a few cattle that need to be…Dairy Coalition Asks U.S. Government to Purchase Excess Products
Published April 6, 2020
The American Dairy Coalition is asking the U.S. government to use disaster funds to buy cheese inventory in storage and package it into consumer sized portions. The shutdown of schools, restaurants and coffee shops is causing some cheesemakers and milk…