The Ag Sector: Yearend Wrap-Up
The U.S. farm sector saw cash receipts slide in 1999 as
supplies rose and farm prices fell overall. But record government
payments are expected to pull up net cash income to just
below the 1997 record. Farm financial conditions on average
remain strong, but regional fortunes vary significantly,
depending on the mix of production and local weather. For
more information, contact: Frederic
Surls.
The Ag Sector: Yearend
Wrap-Up
The Long-Term Boom in China’s Feed Manufacturing Industry
China’s feed manufacturing sector is expanding rapidly as
livestock production shifts from a sideline—feeding farm byproducts
to very few animals—into a full-time occupation—feeding purchased
feedstuffs to a relatively large number of animals. China
may continue to resist importing complete feeds as it emphasizes
self-sufficiency in grain production, but imports of nongrain
feed ingredients will likely expand. For more information,
contact: Frederick W.
Crook.
The Long-Term Boom
in China’s Feed Manufacturing Industry
Rising Milk Production Restrains Prices
Milk production gains likely will exceed demand growth
for the remainder of 1999 and into early 2000, leaving farm-level
milk prices somewhat weak in first-half 2000 and pulling
down the projected annual average by 8-12 percent from 1999.
Prices are forecast to recover in second-half 2000 as rises
in milk production abate and demand growth remains firm.
For more information, contact: James
Miller.
Rising Milk Production
Restrains Prices
Larger Citrus Crop Expected in 1999/2000
The 1999/2000 citrus crop is expected up 20 percent from last
year as better weather so far in California and Florida promises
substantially larger orange, lemon, and tangerine crops. Oranges
for fresh use should be in ample supply this winter, and both
growers and consumers will likely see lower prices. For more
information, contact: Susan
Pollack.
Larger Citrus Crop Expected
in 1999/2000
Abundant World Rice Supplies Pull Down Prices
International rice prices have declined sharply this year
in the face of large supplies in nearly all exporting countries
and weaker global demand stemming from a production rebound
in major importing countries. World rice trade is projected
to fall 11 percent in 1999 from last year. Global trade is
projected to drop in 2000 as well. With a record 1999 U.S.
crop and lower export demand, the U.S. season-average 1999/2000
farm price is projected to drop by about a third. For more
information, contact: Nathan
Childs.
Abundant World Rice
Supplies Pull Down Prices
Profiling Crop Insurance Purchasers
Demand for crop insurance has increased as commodity program
changes followed passage of the 1996 Farm Act, Federal insurance
premium subsidies rose, and several new revenue insurance
products were introduced. USDA’s Economic Research Service
examined three factors affecting demand for insurance—farmers’
risk characteristics, farm income level, and insurance. Results
suggest that by considering certain characteristics associated
with farmers who buy different types of contracts, it may
be possible to structure insurance rates to more closely reflect
farmers’ risk profiles. For more information, contact: Shiva
S. Makki.
Demand for Yield & Revenue
Insurance: Factoring In Risk, Income, & Cost
Agriculture in Poland & Hungary: Preparing for EU Accession
Several Central and East European countries (CEE’s), including
Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, are likely to join
the European Union (EU) in the next decade. While CEE economies
and farmers stand to benefit, many CEE producers are dubious
about their ability to compete with high-quality EU products
in a single market, particularly given the costs of adopting
EU regulations. USDA’s Economic Research Service has recently
analyzed the effects of enlargement on farm production and
trade. For more information, contact: Nancy
J. Cochrane.
Agriculture in Poland
& Hungary: Preparing for EU Accession |
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