USDA Economic Research Service - What's New

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Fri, 9 May 2008 18:00:00 GMT

The latest U.S. agricultural trade data are now available from ERS. This new data product announces USDA's monthly release of calendar year, fiscal year, year-to-date, and monthly value of U.S. agricultural exports, imports, and trade balance.

Wheat Yearbook

Fri, 9 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Examines world and U.S. production, consumption, trade, stocks, and prices for wheat.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Fri, 9 May 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Issued monthly, WASDE provides the most current USDA forecasts of U.S. and world supply-use balances for major grains, soybeans and products, and cotton, and U.S. supply and use data for sugar and livestock products.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Thu, 8 May 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Statistical Indicators previously published in Agricultural Outlook addressing a broad spectrum of agriculture-related issues. Includes commodity and food prices, general economic indicators, government program expenditures, farm income estimates, and trade and export statistics.

The U.S. Organic Handling Sector in 2004: Baseline Findings of the Nationwide Survey of Organic Manufacturers, Processors, and Distributors

Tue, 6 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The organic sector has expanded rapidly over the last decade, as retail sales of organic food increased to $15.7 billion in 2006. As sales have grown, so have the number and types of outlets selling organic products. USDA�s Economic Research Service surveyed certified organic intermediaries in the United States to collect information on basic characteristics of the sector in 2004, as well as its marketing and procurement practices. This report uses the survey findings to present a baseline view of the organic handling sector. A large share of organic handlers are mixed operations that handle both organic and conventional products, and most began as conventional firms that converted to handling organic products. Most organic products are sold domestically, with nearly three-quarters sold nationally or regionally. More than three-quarters of the firms are independent, and most are small. Handlers seek suppliers with a reputation for providing high-quality products. Most transactions between handlers and suppliers occur under contract, reportedly so that handlers can procure ingredients essential for their businesses.

Global Agricultural Supply and Demand: Factors Contributing to the Recent Increase in Food Commodity Prices

Thu, 1 May 2008 20:00:00 GMT

World market prices for major food commodities such as grains and vegetable oils have risen sharply to historic highs of more than 60 percent above levels just 2 years ago. Many factors have contributed to the runup in food commodity prices. Some factors reflect trends of slower growth in production and more rapid growth in demand, which have contributed to a tightening of world balances of grains and oilseeds over the last decade. Recent factors that have further tightened world markets include increased global demand for biofuels feedstocks and adverse weather conditions in 2006 and 2007 in some major grain and oilseed producing areas. Other factors that have added to global food commodity price inflation include the declining value of the U.S. dollar, rising energy prices, increasing agricultural costs of production, growing foreign exchange holdings by major food importing countries, and policies adopted recently by some exporting and importing countries to mitigate their own food price inflation.

Feed Yearbook summary

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:30:00 GMT

Summary Release. Examines world and U.S. production, consumption, trade, stocks, and prices for feed grains (focusing on corn).

DatelinERS Newsletter

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:00 GMT

The DatelinERS newsletter offers concise summaries of ERS reports and events with links to areas within our website. You can find it in our newsroom at www.ers.usda.gov/News/.

Monthly Milk Cost of Production

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Monthly milk cost of production estimates are available by State from January 2003 to the previous month.

Rice

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT

The Rice Briefing Room offers a synthesis of ERS research, analysis, and outlook on U.S. and global rice markets, including current and historical data on supply, demand, and trade.

USDA Rice Projections, 2008-17 provides background on rice supply and demand trends underlying the long-term projections in USDA Agricultural Projections to 2017, and summarizes key results for the U.S. rice sector.

Wheat Data

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:00:00 GMT

This data product contains statistics on wheat - including the five classes of wheat: hard red winter, hard red spring, soft red winter, white, and durum - and rye. Includes data published in the monthly Wheat Outlook and previously annual Wheat Yearbook. Data are monthly, quarterly, and/or annual depending upon the data series.

Feed Grains Database

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Interactive database that contains statistics on four feed grains (corn, grain sorghum, barley, and oats), foreign coarse grains (feed grains plus rye, millet, and mixed grains), hay, and related items. Tables previously published annually in the Feed Yearbook are available and updated continuously as data are added to the database. Custom queries also allow users to retrieve historical data.

U.S. Agricultural Trade Boosts Overall Economy

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

U.S. agricultural trade generates employment, income, and purchasing power in both the farm and nonfarm sectors. Each farm export dollar earned stimulated another $1.65 in business activity in calendar year 2006. The $71.0 billion of agricultural exports in 2006 produced an additional $117.2 billion in economic activity for a total economic output of $188.2 billion. Agricultural exports also generated 841,000 full-time civilian jobs, which include 482,000 jobs in the nonfarm sector. Farmer�s purchases of fuel, fertilizer, and other inputs to produce commodities for export spurred economic activity in the manufacturing, trade, and transportation sectors.

Vegetables and Melons Outlook

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Provides current intelligence and forecasts the effects of changing conditions in the U.S. vegetables and melons sector (including potatoes, pulses, and mushrooms). Topics include production, consumption, shipments, prices received, trade, and more.

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Timely livestock, dairy, and poultry information, focusing on current and forecast production, price, and trade statistics for each of the sectors.

Impact of 2002-03 Farm Bill Restorations on Food Stamp Use by Legal Immigrants

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

This study used 1999-2004 Current Population Survey data in conjunction with the Urban Institute�s Transfer Income Model (TRIM3) to quantify the impact of the 2002 Farm Bill�s eligibility restorations. About half the estimated impact came from increases in newly eligible families, while the rest came from increases in eligible family members within already-eligible families (usually within families with citizen children). By 2004, the restorations had extended eligibility to roughly 1 million legal immigrants and 148,000 additional families. The extension in eligibility reached around two-thirds of those made ineligible by the 1996 welfare reform law rules and not covered by the 1998 restorations. The estimated participation gain over the period was 780,000 individuals and 139,000 legal immigrant families. The restorations took place in an era of large increases in food stamp caseloads overall; even so, the share of families containing legal immigrants increased substantially.

Disclaimer: This study was conducted by the Urban Institute under Agreement No. 59-5000-6-0104 with the Economic Research Service. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

Meat Price Spreads

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

This data set provides monthly average price values, and the differences among those values, at the farm, wholesale, and retail stages of the production and marketing chain for selected cuts of beef, pork, and broilers. In addition, retail prices are provided for beef and pork cuts, turkey, whole chickens, eggs, and dairy products.

China Agricultural and Economic Data

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The China agricultural and economic database is a collection of agricultural-related data from official statistical publications of the People's Republic of China. Analysts and policy professionals around the world need information about the rapidly changing Chinese economy, but statistics are often published only in China and sometimes only in Chinese-language publications. This product assembles a wide variety of data items covering agricultural production, inputs, prices, food consumption, output of industrial products relevant to the agricultural sector, and macroeconomic data.

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Provides a monthly update of year-to-date quantities and values of U.S. agricultural exports and imports. Also provides data on leading destination countries for exports and import source countries.

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

The Livestock and Meat Trade Data Set contains monthly and annual data for imports and exports of live cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats, as well as beef and veal, pork, lamb and mutton, chicken meat, turkey meat, and eggs. The tables report physical quantities, not dollar values or unit prices. Data on beef and veal, pork, and lamb and mutton are on a carcass-weight-equivalent basis. Breakdowns by country are included.

Wheat Outlook

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for wheat, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Contains data and information on U.S. wheat by class.

Oil Crops Outlook

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for oil crops (primarily soybeans and products), including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Includes information on cottonseed, peanuts, sunflowerseed, tropical oils, corn oil, and animal fats.

Rice Outlook

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for rice, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Contains information on U.S. rough, milled, and long-, medium-, and short-grain rice.

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for cotton and wool, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Includes data on raw fibers and textiles.

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

A futures-price forecasting model is used to provide season-average price forecasts for corn, soybeans, and wheat. In addition to the monthly forecasts for prices received, the model computes a forecast for the counter-cyclical payment rate for each commodity. The 2002 Farm Act provides for counter-cyclical payments when prices are below specified levels.

International Baseline Data

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

International long-term projections indicate supply, demand, and trade for major agricultural commodities for selected countries. These projections provide foreign country detail supporting USDA's annual long-term projections report.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 12:30:00 GMT

DatelinERS Newsletter

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The DatelinERS newsletter offers concise summaries of ERS reports and events with links to areas within our website. You can find it in our newsroom at www.ers.usda.gov/News/.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Agricultural Contracting Update, 2005

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

More than half of all transactions for U.S. agricultural products are still conducted through spot market exchanges, in which commodities are bought and sold in open market transactions for immediate delivery. But a growing share of U.S. farm production is produced and sold under agricultural contracts. Such contracts between farmers and their buyers are reached prior to harvest (or before the completion stage for livestock) and govern the terms under which products are transferred from the farm. The shift of production to contracting coincides with shifts of production to larger farms. Contracts are far more likely to be used on large farms than on small ones. Marketing and production contracts covered 41 percent of the value of U.S. agricultural production in 2005, up from 39 percent in 2003, 36 percent in 2001, and a substantial increase over 28 percent in 1991 and 11 percent in 1969.

Twenty Years of Competition Reshape the U.S. Food Marketing System

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The past 20 years have brought significant changes in the structure and competition in the U.S. food marketing system. Warehouse club stores, drugstores, and other nontraditional foodstores have increased their share of food sales, leading traditional food stores to compete to retain their share of consumers� food purchases.

Technology, Larger Farm Size Increased Productivity on U.S. Hog Farms

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

U.S. hog production has shifted rapidly to fewer and larger operations that specialize in a single phase of production and use production contracts. Substantial productivity gains for hog farms, particularly specialized hog-finishing operations, have resulted in reduced costs of production and contributed to lower prices for hogs at the farm gate. Technological innovation and increasing farm size each explain about half the gains in hog farm productivity between 1992 and 2004.

Hired Farmworkers a Major Input for Some U.S. Farm Sectors

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

As the total U.S. agricultural labor force has declined over the past century, hired farmworkers have become a larger proportion of all farmworkers and are especially important in the production of fruit, tree nuts, vegetables, and horticultural crops. Hired farmworkers earn lower incomes and face harsher working conditions compared with all other U.S. wage and salary workers. Because an estimated half of hired farmworkers lack legal status to work in the U.S., legislative reforms of immigration policies could have an impact on the sectors employing them.

Global Market Opportunities Drive Beef Production Decisions in Argentina and Uruguay

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Argentina and Uruguay are increasingly important suppliers of beef in global markets. Key to both countries� success in international markets are certification and traceability programs, which have been improved in response to recent cattle disease outbreaks. Grass-based production systems and bans against feeding meat and bone meat to cattle have help allay importers� concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Amber Waves, April 2008

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Amber Waves presents the broad scope of ERS�s research and analysis. The magazine covers the economics of agriculture, food and nutrition, the food industry, trade, rural America, and farm-related environmental topics. Available on the internet and in print, Amber Waves is issued in print five times a year (February, April, June, September and November). The internet edition, or �eZine,� includes links to web �only resources, such as podcasts and additional articles.

Wheat Yearbook summary

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines world and U.S. production, consumption, trade, stocks, and prices for wheat.

Dietary Assessment of Major Trends in U.S. Food Consumption, 1970-2005

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:00:00 GMT

This report examines major trends in the amount of food available for consumption in the United States between 1970 and 2005 using data from the ERS Food Availability (Per Capita) Data System. The report also estimates whether Americans are meeting Federal dietary recommendations for each of the major food groups by comparing the data with dietary recommendations in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPyramid Food Guidance System. Findings show that Americans do not meet the Federal dietary recommendations. For Americans to meet these recommendations, they would need to substantially lower their intake of added fats, refined grains, and added sugars and sweeteners and increase their consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk and milk products.

Program of Research on the Economics of Invasive Species Management, Fiscal 2008, Competitive Award Program: Description and Application Process

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Under the Program of Research on the Economics of Invasive Species Management (PREISM), ERS supports and conducts research to improve the economic basis of decisionmaking concerning invasive issues, policies, and programs. Program themes have included international dimensions of invasive species prevention and management; development and application of methods to analyze important invasive species issues, policies, and programs; and analysis of economic, institutional, and behavioral factors affecting decisions to prevent or manage invasive species. This document describes the application process for submitting research proposals to be considered for fiscal 2008 competitive awards. The deadline for submission is April 25, 2008.

Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Provides current intelligence and forecasts the effects of changing conditions in the U.S. fruit and tree nuts sector. Topics include production, consumption, shipments, prices received, and more.

Bigger Crops Forecast for Most Stone Fruit and Almonds in 2007 Than A Year Ago

Based on forecasts from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the United States expects to harvest more stone fruit in 2007 than a year ago, including peaches, cherries, and apricots. Bigger crops in California, which have been driving down grower prices, are behind most of the growth. NASS also forecast the 2007/08 California almond crop to be 19 percent bigger than last season and if realized, the biggest crop ever.

Soybeans and Oil Crops

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT

The Soybeans and Oil Crops Briefing Room offers a synthesis of ERS research, analysis, and outlook on U.S. and global markets for soybean and soybean products, including current and historical data on supply, demand, and trade. Information on other oilseeds, such as cottonseed, sunflowerseed, and peanuts, is also available.

USDA Soybean Projections, 2008-17 provides background on supply and demand issues for soybeans and soybean products underlying the long-term projections in USDA Agricultural Projections to 2017, and summarizes key findings for the U.S. soybean sector.

Organic Farmgate and Wholesale Prices

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This data set provides farmgate and wholesale prices for select organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, wholesale prices for organic and conventional poultry (broilers) and eggs, as well as f.o.b. and spot prices for organic grain and feedstuffs. Prices are based on those reported by USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Market News, Organic Food Business News, and USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Monthly Milk Cost of Production

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Monthly milk cost of production estimates are available by State from January 2003 to the previous month.

The Costs of Benefit Delivery in the Food Stamp Program: Lessons From a Cross-Program Analysis

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

This study compares the Food Stamp Program (FSP) with eight other public assistance programs across four measures of program effectiveness�administrative costs, error payments, program access, and benefit targeting. The comparison includes two other USDA nutrition assistance programs, three cash assistance programs, and three programs providing noncash benefits other than food or nutrition assistance. Results show that the FSP and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) present contrasting patterns. The EITC program has lower administrative costs and higher program access rates than the FSP, but the FSP is more successful in limiting overpayments. Missing information makes it hard to generalize across the other programs, but there is some evidence suggesting that programs with higher errors have lower administrative costs. Low administrative costs also appear to be inversely associated with good program access for recipients. Also, programs that are more highly targeted tend to have higher benefit delivery costs.

Disclaimer: This study was conducted by the Brookings Institution under Cooperative Assistance Agreement number 59-5000-6-0104 with the Economic Research Service. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

Oil Crops Yearbook summary

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Summary release. Examines world and U.S. production, consumption, trade, stocks, and prices for oil crops (focusing on soybeans and products).

Food Stamps and Obesity: What Do We Know?

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Results from reviewed studies indicate that for most participants in the Food Stamp Program�children, nonelderly men, and the elderly�use of food stamp benefits does not result in an increase in either Body Mass Index (BMI) or the likelihood of being overweight or obese. However, for nonelderly women, who account for 28 percent of the food stamp caseload, some evidence suggests that participation in the Food Stamp Program may increase BMI and the probability of obesity. Different results for age and sex subgroups remain unexplained. Further, because food stamp benefits are issued to households, not individuals, mixed results across age and sex subgroups make it difficult to target policy alternatives to address potential weight gain among some participants while not affecting others in the household.

Feed Grains Database

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Wheat Data

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Timely livestock, dairy, and poultry information, focusing on current and forecast production, price, and trade statistics for each of the sectors.

Convergence in Global Food Demand and Delivery

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Using food expenditures and food sales data over 1990-2004, this report examines whether food consumption and delivery trends are converging across 47 high- and middle-income countries. Middle-income countries, such as China and Mexico, appear to be following trends in high-income countries, measured across several dimensions of food system growth and change. Convergence is apparent in most important food expenditure categories and in indicators of food system modernization such as supermarket and fast-food sales.

Listen to a podcast based on this report.

Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program, Fiscal 2008, Competitive Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program: Description and Application Process

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT

ERS's Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program is now accepting proposals for grants and cooperative agreements for fiscal 2008. The three priority research areas are (1) Food Choices: Economic Determinants and Consequences, (2) Economic Incentives in Food Assistance Programs, and (3) Food Assistance as an Economic Safety Net. This publication describes the research areas and application requirements. Funding for competitive awards in fiscal 2008 is approximately $2 million. The deadline for proposal submission is May 19, 2008.

Meat Price Spreads

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Feed Outlook

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for feed grains, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Focuses on corn; also contains information on sorghum, barley, oats, and hay.

Wheat

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The Wheat Briefing Room offers a synthesis of ERS research, analysis, and outlook on U.S. and global wheat markets, including basic information on the U.S. wheat sector, trade issues, and domestic policy, as well as a detailed explanation of how wheat supply and use is calculated.

USDA Wheat Baseline, 2008-17 provides background on wheat supply and demand trends underlying the baseline projections in USDA Agricultural Projections to 2017, and summarizes key results for the U.S. wheat sector.

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for cotton and wool, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Includes data on raw fibers and textiles.

Rice Outlook

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:00 GMT

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Provides a monthly update of year-to-date quantities and values of U.S. agricultural exports and imports. Also provides data on leading destination countries for exports and import source countries.

The Japanese Market for Oranges

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Japan is a large market for U.S. orange exports, and most of Japan�s orange consumption is supplied by U.S. exports. Orange consumption and imports grew until 1994, but have declined since. Demographic shifts are linked to changing orange consumption: older birth cohorts eat more oranges, and younger ones eat fewer oranges; within each cohort, consumption increases with age. Income changes appear not to be major factors in the decline in orange consumption, but price changes appear to be potentially important. A downward trend in consumption, not explained by the demographic variables, prices, or income, may continue in the future.

Price Trends Are Similar for Fruits, Vegetables, and Snack Foods

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

An increase in the price of fruits and vegetables relative to less healthy foods could reduce consumers� incentives to purchase fruits and vegetables and result in less healthy diets. Whether such a change in relative prices and incentives has occurred in the United States is difficult to prove because of substantial quality improvements in many fresh fruits and vegetables. For commonly consumed fresh fruits and vegetables for which quality has remained fairly constant, analysis of price trends reveals a price decline similar to that of dessert and snack foods. This price trend evidence suggests that the price of a healthy diet has not changed relative to an unhealthy one, although a healthy diet might not include every fresh fruit or vegetable currently available.

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:30:00 GMT

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:30:00 GMT