Key Takeaways:
The rationale for farm programs has changed significantly from their original intentions. Farmers’ incomes have grown sharply and have surpassed non-farm incomes beginning in the 1970s. Current farm programs are complex and focus on supporting risk management, environmental benefits, food security, rural communities, and family farms. Ad hoc assistance payments—independent of farm bill programs—currently provide most farm support in 2025 and 2026. Farm productivity has driven an exodus from farms since 1935. USDA programs to support rural communities and family farms have struggled to stem the tide of farm consolidation. What are taxpayers really buying, and do the programs really work? These are the best q...
What You Need to Know Today: The cattle market rebounded sharply this week, with January feeder cattle futures gaining $16.98/cwt and February live cattle futures advancing $7.60/cwt since last Friday. Tyson Foods' plans to restore a second processing shift at its Amarillo, Texas, facili...
Tuesday’s CPI report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed inflation roaring back stronger than expected in October. That probably locks in another rate hike – which was expected anyway – at the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in December. Consumer pric...
