USDA Economic Research Service - What's New

DatelinERS Newsletter

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:00:00 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/.

Fruit and Tree Nuts Yearbook Data tables

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Annual data on acreage, production, trade, supply and utilization, prices, and value of production for fruit and nuts including citrus, other tree fruits, grapes and other small fruits; supply and utilization of processed fruit and fruit juices.

Characteristics, Costs, and Issues for Organic Dairy Farming

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Organic milk production has been one of the fastest growing segments of organic agriculture in the United States in recent years. Despite the growing number of organic dairy operations, the characteristics of organic dairy operations and the relative costs of organic and conventional milk production have been difficult to analyze. This study, using 2005 ARMS data for U.S. dairy operations, which include a targeted sample of organic milk producers, examines the structure, costs, and challenges of organic milk production. The analysis addresses economies of size, regional differences, and pasture use in organic milk production and compares organic and conventional milk production costs. The findings suggest that economic forces have made organic operations more like conventional operations and that the future structure of the industry may depend on the interpretation and implementation of new organic pasture rules.

Does SNAP Decrease Food Insecurity? Untangling the Self-Selection Effect

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Self-selection by more food-needy households into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called the Food Stamp Program) makes it difficult to observe positive effects of the program in survey data. This study investigates self-selection and ameliorative program effects by examining households� food security month by month for several months prior to initial receipt of SNAP benefits and for several months after joining the program.Two-year panels are constructed by matching the same households interviewed in the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement in 2 consecutive years using data from 2001 to 2006. Food security is observed to deteriorate in the 6 months prior to beginning to receive SNAP benefits and to improve shortly after. The results clearly demonstrate the self-selection by households into SNAP at a time when they are more severely food insecure. The results are consistent with a moderate ameliorative effect of SNAP�reducing the prevalence of very low food security among recent entrants by about one-third�although they do not conclusively demonstrate that extent of amelioration.

Monthly Milk Cost of Production

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

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

Food Spending Declined and Food Insecurity Increased for Middle-Income and Low-Income Households from 2000 to 2007

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

From 2000 to 2007, median spending on food by U.S. households declined by 12 percent relative to the (rising) cost of USDA�s Thrifty Food Plan, and by 6 percent relative to the (rising) Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Food and Beverages. Over the same period, the national prevalence of very low food security increased by about one-third, from 3.1 percent of households in 2000 to 4.1 percent in 2007. The deterioration in food security was greatest in the second-lowest income quintile, in which the prevalence of very low food security increased by about half. These estimates, based on data from the nationally representative Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement, are corroborated by corresponding declines in food expenditures by middle- and low-income households in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics� Consumer Expenditure Survey. The decline was largest in the second-lowest income quintile, in which average CPI-infl ation-adjusted spending for food declined by 16 percent. The declines in food spending by middle- and low-income households were accompanied by increases in spending for housing and, in the two lowest income quintiles, by declines in income and total spending.

2009 PREISM workshop

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

ERS's Program of Research on the Economics of Invasive Species Management (PREISM), an annual competitive grant and cooperative agreement program that focuses on national decisionmaking concerning agricultural invasive species, will hold its 2009 workshop on October 22-23 (Thursday and Friday), at ERS. The workshop is free and open to all, but please register to attend.

As a public service, this workshop will also be available as a WEBCAST provided by Blue Sky Broadcast, a private provider not affiliated with ERS.

Vegetables and Melons Outlook

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 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.

Rural Amenities

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The rural outdoors has become a major asset for rural communities�and a key advantage that some rural areas have over urban areas. The rural outdoors can be enhanced through the construction of recreation facilities, but undeveloped rural landscapes have appeal on their own, both for recreation and as attractive places to live. This briefing room looks at the appeal of rural landscapes, the importance of forest landscape preferences, and the role of scenic amenities across the rural-urban continuum.

2009 PREISM workshop

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

As a public service, this workshop will also be available as a WEBCAST provided by Blue Sky Broadcast, a private provider not affiliated with ERS.

Wheat Data

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:00:00 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

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:00:00 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.

Agricultural Exchange Rate Data Set

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Contains annual and monthly data for exchange rates important to U.S. agriculture. Includes both nominal and real exchange rates for 80 countries (plus the European Union), as well as real trade-weighted exchange rate indexes for many commodities and aggregations.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:00:00 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.

RIDGE Conference: 2009 Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Program Conference

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Program encourages new and innovative research on food assistance and nutrition issues and broadens the participation of social science scholars in this important research area. The annual conference is a forum for grant recipients and attendees to discuss results of recently funded grants on food assistance programs, food security, and nutrition. This year�s RIDGE Conference will be held on October 15 and 16, 2009, at the Economic Research Service, 1800 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. A preliminary agenda is available. Attendance is free but registration is required due to limited space.

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 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.

Meat Price Spreads

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 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.

RIDGE Conference: 2009 Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Program Conference

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Aquaculture Data

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Aquaculture is the production of aquatic animals and plants under controlled conditions for all or part of their lifecycle. This data product provides statistics on domestically grown catfish and trout and U.S. imports and exports of fish and shellfish that may be products of aquaculture, such as salmon, shrimp, and oysters.

Feed Outlook

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 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 Outlook

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 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

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 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.

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 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

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 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.

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 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.

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:00 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.

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 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.

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

This 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.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 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.

Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Examines world and U.S. production, consumption, trade, stocks, and prices for beet and cane sugar, and high fructose corn syrup.

Commodity Costs and Returns Data

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

USDA has estimated annual production costs and returns and published accounts for major field crop and livestock enterprises since 1975. Cost and return estimates are reported for the U.S. and major production regions for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, grain sorghum, rice, peanuts, oats, barley, sugarbeets, tobacco, milk, hogs, and cow-calf. These cost and return accounts are historical accounts based on the actual costs incurred by producers during each year.

RIDGE Project Summaries, 2008: Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics Program

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMT

This report summarizes research findings from the Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics Program (RIDGE), formerly known as the Small Grants Program. The Economic Research Service created the program in 1998 to stimulate new and innovative research on food and nutrition assistance issues and to broaden the network of social scientists investigating the food and nutrition challenges that exist across communities, regions, and States. The report includes summaries of the research findings of projects that were awarded 1-year grants in summer and fall 2007. The results of these research projects were presented at the RIDGE conference in October 2008. The projects include analyses of WIC vendor access and fruit and vegetable availability, effects of food insecurity on the development of infants and toddlers, administrative data to evaluate CACFP in family child care homes, the economics of the Thrifty Food Plan, and food stamp use among the elderly. Several projects focus on specific populations such as immigrants, Native Americans, or people living in the rural South.

Disclaimer: The studies summarized herein were conducted under research grants originating with the Economic Research Service. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

For more information, see the RIDGE Program Briefing Room.

Marketing U.S. Organic Foods: Recent Trends From Farms to Consumers

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Organic foods now occupy prominent shelf space in the produce and dairy aisles of most mainstream U.S. food retailers. The marketing boom has pushed retail sales of organic foods up to $21.1 billion in 2008 from $3.6 billion in 1997. U.S. organic-industry growth is evident in an expanding number of retailers selling a wider variety of foods, the development of private-label product lines by many supermarkets, and the widespread introduction of new products. A broader range of consumers has been buying more varieties of organic food. Organic handlers, who purchase products from farmers and often supply them to retailers, sell more organic products to conventional retailers and club stores than ever before. Only one segment has not kept pace�organic farms have struggled at times to produce sufficient supply to keep up with the rapid growth in demand, leading to periodic shortages of organic products.

Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 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.

Released by 4 p.m. ET. Subscribe to the free electronic version to receive timely notification of newsletter (and yearbook) availability. Users who subscribe to this newsletter will also receive articles on timely topics via e-mail notification. Printed copies can be purchased from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling 1-800-999-6779 (specify SUB-FTS-4036).

DatelinERS Newsletter

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 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 Sep 2009 12:00:00 GMT

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

Agricultural Land Tenure and Carbon Offsets

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Agricultural Land Tenure and Carbon Offsets examines the potential role that land ownership might play in determining the agricultural sector�s involvement in carbon sequestration programs. By estimating the carbon sequestration potential of agricultural producers who own most of the land they operate, this report finds that land ownership should not be a constraining factor in agriculture�s ability to provide carbon offsets.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Wheat Data

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Feed Grains Database

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Food Insecurity in Households with Children: Prevalence, Severity, and Household Characteristics

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Eighty-four percent of U.S. households with children were food secure throughout 2007, meaning that they had consistent access to adequate food for active, healthy lives for all household members. Nearly 16 percent of households with children were food insecure sometime during the year, including 8.3 percent in which children were food insecure and 0.8 percent in which one or more children experienced very low food security�the most severe food-insecure condition measured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Numerous studies suggest that children in food-insecure households have higher risks of health and development problems than children in otherwise similar food-secure households. This study found that about 85 percent of households with food-insecure children had a working adult, including 70 percent with a full-time worker. Fewer than half of households with food-insecure children included an adult educated past high school. Thus, job opportunities and wage rates for less educated workers are important factors affecting the food security of children. In 2007, Federal food and nutrition assistance programs provided benefits to four out of five low-income, food-insecure households with children.

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 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.

Meat Price Spreads

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The Economics of Agricultural and Wildlife Smuggling

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The United States bans imports of certain agricultural and wildlife goods that can carry pathogens or diseases or whose harvest can threaten wildlife stocks or endanger species. Despite these bans, contraband is regularly uncovered in inspections of cargo containers and in domestic markets. This study characterizes the economic factors affecting agricultural and wildlife smuggling by drawing on inspection and interdiction data from USDA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and existing economic literature. Findings reveal that agricultural and wildlife smuggling primarily include luxury goods, ethnic foods, and specialty goods, such as traditional medicines. Incidents of detected smuggling are disproportionately higher for agricultural goods originating in China and for wildlife goods originating in Mexico. Fragmentary data show that approximately 1 percent of all commercial wildlife shipments to the United States and 0.40 percent of all U.S. wildlife imports by value are refused entry and suspected of being smuggled.

Feed Outlook

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Wheat Outlook

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 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.

Rice Outlook

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Oil Crops Outlook

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 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.

Aquaculture Data

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:00:00 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.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT

This 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.

U.S. Mushroom Industry

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT

U.S. and state data on mushroom area, yield, production, price, value, sales, and use. Other series reported include trade by product by country, various price series, and world production.

U.S. Cotton Prices and the World Cotton Market: Forecasting and Structural Change

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

This report analyzes recent structural changes in the world cotton industry and develops a statistical model that reflects current drivers of U.S. cotton prices. Legislative changes in 2008 authorized USDA to resume publishing cotton price forecasts for the first time in nearly 80 years. Systematic problems have become apparent in the forecasting models used by USDA and elsewhere, highlighting the need for an updated review of price relationships. A structural break in the U.S. cotton industry occurred in 1999, and world cotton supply has become an important determinant of U.S. cotton prices, along with China�s trade and production policy. The model developed here forecasts changes in the U.S. upland cotton farm price based on changes in U.S. cotton supply, the U.S. stocks-touse ratio (S/U), China�s net imports as a share of world consumption, the foreign supply of cotton, and selected farm policy parameters.