A winter storm and the coldest temperatures in decades has created another crisis for cattle feeders and beef packers. Rolling power outages and natural gas shortages at feedyards has hampered efforts to feed cattle.

The German pork market is starting to recover after being hit last year by widespread import bans on German pork after African swine fever was found in the country and COVID-19 outbreaks reduced slaughterhouse capacity.

African swine fever and COVID-19 pressures continue to lead the pack as the major change drivers in the 2021 global pork market. Here’s a look at the key issues RaboRank analysts are keeping a close watch on this year.

The Senate has scheduled a vote on Tom Vilsack’s nomination for Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 23. In early February, the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously approved President Biden’s pick to lead USDA.

Biden’s USTR nominee was a key player in the USMCA negotiations, and some think USMCA may be a template for future trade talks, including the possibility of rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

If you notice something is not right on the farm or you see evidence of a break-in, it’s time to activate your plan to protect your farm.