USDA Economic Research Service - What's New

Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S.

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

This data product summarizes the extent of adoption of herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant genetically engineered crops in the United States. Data cover GE varieties of corn, cotton, and soybeans over the 2000-2009 period, by State.

State Export Data

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Annual estimates of U.S. exports by State and commodity group based on each States' share of U.S. agricultural production. These ERS estimates are based on two key sources of data. Export data are national-level Foreign Agricultural Trade of the United States (FATUS) data from USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, which are not separable by State. ERS also uses State-level historical production data from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service to determine State export shares for U.S. crops and livestock. Using these approximations, a State that is the largest producer of an agricultural commodity will also account for the largest share of U.S. exports of that commodity. Compared with other estimates, these estimates of State of export origin tend to be more accurate for agricultural commodities and do not inflate the relative exports from port States or undercount those of inland States.

Food Security Assessment, 2008-09

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Food security in 70 developing countries is projected to deteriorate over the next decade, according to USDA�s Economic Research Service. After rising nearly 11 percent from 2007 to 2008, the number of food-insecure people in the developing countries analyzed by ERS researchers is estimated to rise to 833 million in 2009, an almost 2-percent rise from 2008 to 2009. Despite a decline in food prices in late 2008, deteriorating purchasing power and food security are expected in 2009 because of the growing financial deficits and higher inflation that have occurred in recent years. Food-insecure people are defined as those consuming less than the nutritional target of 2,100 calories per day per person.

DatelinERS Newsletter

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 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/.

Vegetables and Melons Outlook

Thu, 25 Jun 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.

Monthly Milk Cost of Production

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:30:00 GMT

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

Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food�Measuring and Understanding Food Deserts and Their Consequences: Report to Congress

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

This report fills a request for a study of food deserts�areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food�from the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The report summarizes findings of a national-level assessment of the extent and characteristics of food deserts, analysis of the consequences of food deserts, lessons learned from related Federal programs, and a discussion of policy options for alleviating the effects of food deserts. Overall, findings show that a small percentage of consumers are constrained in their ability to access affordable nutritious food because they live far from a supermarket or large grocery store and do not have easy access to transportation.

Manure Use for Fertilizer and for Energy: Report to Congress

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate the role of animal manure as a source of fertilizer, and its other uses. About 5 percent of all U.S. cropland is currently fertilized with livestock manure, and corn accounts for over half of the acreage to which manure is applied. Expanded environmental regulation through nutrient management plans will likely lead to wider use of manure on cropland, at higher production costs, but with only modest impacts on production costs, commodity demand, or farm structure. There is widespread interest in using manure as a feedstock for energy production. While current use is quite limited, expanded government support, either direct or indirectly, could lead to a substantial increase in manure use as a feedstock. However, current energy processes are unlikely to compete with fertilizer uses of manure, because they leave fertilizer nutrients as residues, in more marketable form, and because manure-to-energy projects will be most profitable in regions where raw manure is in excess supply, with the least value as fertilizer.

Trends in U.S. Cotton Basis Since 2001

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Price volatility in 2008 generated interest in underlying cotton cash and futures markets and highlighted the importance of market participants� expectations about basis changes over time in production, marketing, and hedging decisions. This analysis examines trends in average U.S. cotton basis and changes in the convergence of cash and futures prices as cotton futures contract expiration dates near between 2001 and 2009 to provide perspective for the average basis movements experienced in 2008. Though this analysis does not identify the factors leading to differences in average convergence paths since 2001, it finds that, while average cotton cash and futures prices converged in all years, the pattern in 2008 was significantly different from the other sample years.

Wheat Data

Fri, 19 Jun 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

Fri, 19 Jun 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.

Factors Associated With School Meal Participation and the Relationship Between Different Participation Measures

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

This study investigated factors that influence students� participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). The analysis used recently collected data on a large, nationally representative sample of students certified for free and reduced-price meals during the 2005�06 school year. Results show that, although eligible students are very likely to participate in the programs (i.e. pick up the meal offered that day), eligible elementary school students are more likely to participate than are middle or high school students. Likewise, students who like the taste of the meals are more likely to participate than are students who do not like the taste. In addition, if students now eligible for reduced-price lunches were instead given free lunches, they would participate more than they do now. The same was not strictly the case, however, for breakfast. Finally, the study suggests that analysts should use caution in relying on parents� reports of a student�s participation to estimate yearly school meal participation. Parental reports of the previous day�s or previous week�s participation tend to overstate participation, which results in higher reported annual participation rates than is true according to administrative data.

Disclaimer: This study was conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., under Contract number 59-5000-7-0114. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

Meat Price Spreads

Wed, 17 Jun 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.

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Wed, 17 Jun 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.

U.S. Broccoli Statistics

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Contains data covering the economics of the U.S. fresh and processing broccoli industry. Time series data covers U.S. and State area, yield, production, prices, value as well as U.S. trade by country, per capita use (disappearance), and usual harvesting dates and varieties by State. Also included are data series for world area and production and world trade by country.

Wheat Outlook

Fri, 12 Jun 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.

Feed Outlook

Fri, 12 Jun 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.

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Thu, 11 Jun 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.

Oil Crops Outlook

Thu, 11 Jun 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.

Rice Outlook

Thu, 11 Jun 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

Thu, 11 Jun 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.

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Thu, 11 Jun 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.

Aquaculture Data

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:00:00 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.

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:00:00 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.

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:00:00 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.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Wed, 10 Jun 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.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:30:00 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.

Agricultural Research Funding in the Public and Private Sectors

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:45:00 GMT

Data for public and private funding of agricultural research and development cover the years 1970-2007 (public) and 1970-98 (private). Data are available as nominal figures and adjusted for inflation.

Specialized U.S. Fruit and Tree Nut Farm Production Expenses

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 13:15:00 GMT

Specialized fruit and tree nut farms represent a substantial segment of the U.S. fruit and tree nut industry. By nature of the commodities produced and the markets targeted, these specialized farms require substantial investments in production inputs. Using data from USDA�s Agricultural Resource and Management Survey (ARMS), this report investigates the major expense components of specialized fruit and tree nut farms in the United States from 1998 to 2006. Based on 3-year averages, the analysis compares farm expenses by farm size and across regions. Total cash expenses were highest in the West where the highest concentration of specialized fruit and tree nut farms are located, including a majority of the largest and most highly specialized farm operations. Labor was the largest cash expense for fruit and tree nut farms, followed by fertilizer and other agricultural chemical inputs.

Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Consumer demand for organic products has widened over the last decade. While new producers have emerged to help meet demand, market participants report that a supply squeeze is constraining growth for both individual firms and the organic sector overall. Partly in response to shortages in organic supply, Congress in 2008 included provisions in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act (2008 Farm Act) that, for the first time, provide financial support to farmers to convert to organic production. This report examines recent economic research on the adoption of organic farming systems, organic production costs and returns, and market conditions to gain a better understanding of the organic supply squeeze and other emerging issues in this rapidly changing industry.

Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook

Tue, 2 Jun 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.

Agricultural Exchange Rate Data Set

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 12:00:00 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.

Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Forecast Is For Below-Average 2008 U.S. Apple and Pear Crops, Grape and Cranberry Production Is Up

Light carryover supplies, lower shipments this summer, and strong export demand are driving up 2008/09 apple and grape grower prices. Despite the forecast increased production, fresh-market grower prices for grapes are also holding strong due to reduced shipments so far for the season. The 2008 U.S. cranberry crop is forecast to be the second-largest on record.

Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade

Thu, 28 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Offers the latest forecast of value and volume of U.S. farm exports, by commodity and region, as well as the agricultural trade balance for the coming year. Keeps readers abreast of how U.S. agricultural trade stacks up in a global market.

Organic Prices

Thu, 28 May 2009 19:00:00 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.

DatelinERS Newsletter

Thu, 28 May 2009 19:00:00 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

Tue, 26 May 2009 15:00:00 GMT

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

Variable Effects of Earnings Volatility on Food Stamp Participation

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

This study examines how earnings variability affects Food Stamp Program participation and how the effects differ depending on a household�s income position relative to the eligibility threshold. The study uses survey data from the Three-City Study, which is a longitudinal survey of low-income families with children living in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio. The data in the Three-City Study have been linked to administrative case records on program participation. The study estimates longitudinal fixed-effect regression models of the times that households spend on food stamps and distinguishes between households that appear to be eligible or ineligible for food stamps based on longer run income data. Temporary earnings increases and higher annual earnings variability reduce participation for households with low levels of permanent income. Higher annual earnings variability also reduces program participation for higher income households, but the effect is smaller in magnitude.

Disclaimer: This study was conducted by Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro under Cooperative Agreement number 43-3AEM-4-80116 with the Economic Research Service. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

Wheat Data

Thu, 21 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Feed Grains Database

Thu, 21 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Tue, 19 May 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

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Federal Estate Taxes Affecting Fewer Farmers but the Future is Uncertain

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The Federal estate tax affects relatively few estates and accounts for only a small share of total Federal tax receipts. Though special provisions have been enacted to limit the impact of the tax on farmers and small business owners, these groups are still more likely than the general public to owe Federal estate taxes. A larger share of farm estates could be subject to estate taxes if legislation enacted in 2001 is allowed to expire at the end of 2010.

Food Policy: Check the List of Ingredients

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Policies designed to improve the diet quality and health of Americans are likely to have only marginal effects on consumers� food choices. However, policies targeted directly at consumers such as nutrition information and education programs, along with labeling regulations, can spur the reformulation of products with healthier ingredients by stimulating competition among food manufacturers to offer products that appeal to health-conscious consumers. Manufacturers� responsiveness to food policy provides policymakers with a lever to affect diet quality for large numbers of consumers. Effective use of this lever can help stimulate a chain reaction leading to healthy food reformulations and a more nutritious food supply.

How Tightly Has China Embraced Market Reforms in Agriculture?

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Market-based reforms helped lift Chinese agriculture out of decades of poverty and stagnation, but vestiges of the planned economy remain. China�s policymakers are experimenting with incremental reforms and market intervention as they encounter agricultural problems. Pressure from global markets could push China to go further with reforms or to retreat from global markets.

A Weakening Global Economy Interrupts Agricultural Trade

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The financial sector turbulence originating in the United States has had a ripple effect worldwide, curbing economic growth in nearly every country. Slower growth and weaker currencies in emerging markets have reduced U.S. competitiveness and agricultural exports in the short term. At the same time, reduced consumer spending domestically is dampening U.S. import growth. Despite the current downturn, world food demand remains stable, and demand for U.S. exports is expected to recover as developing-country growth resumes in the longer term.

Amber Waves, June 2009

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:45:00 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.

Russia�s Growing Agricultural Imports: Causes and Outlook

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

During the 2000s, Russian agricultural imports have grown considerably, from $7 billion in 2000 to $33 billion in 2008. This import growth has made Russia the second largest agricultural importer among emerging markets, after China. The main reasons for the import rise are macroeconomic�high growth in Russian gross domestic product, which increases consumer income and purchasing power, and real appreciation of the ruble, which makes imports less expensive vis-�-vis domestically produced goods. The economic crisis that hit Russia (and the world) in autumn 2008 makes the outlook for Russia�s agricultural imports uncertain in the short term. However, the Russian economy is expected to stabilize within a year or two, at which time agricultural imports should continue to grow, although at a lower rate than in past years.

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

USDA defines beginning farmers and ranchers as those who have operated a farm or ranch for 10 years or less either as a sole operator or with others who have operated a farm or ranch for 10 years or less. Beginning farmers tend to be younger than established farmers and to operate smaller farms or ranches, some of which may provide no annual production. Beginning farmers often face obstacles getting started, including high startup costs and limited availability of land. USDA�through the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service�provides loans and conservation assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers. This report draws on data from annual surveys and the Census of Agriculture to provide policymakers with a better understanding of beginning farmers and ranchers, including how they contribute to U.S. agricultural production.

Federal Tax Policies and Farm Households

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Significant changes in Federal individual income and estate tax policies have occurred over the last 10 years. Analysis suggests that changes in Federal tax provisions affecting both individual and business income taxes have reduced average tax rates for all farm households, resulting in the lowest tax burden on farm income and investment in a decade. Similarly, an analysis of the changes to Federal estate tax policies suggests that increases in the value of property that can be transferred to the next generation free of the estate tax, combined with special provisions for farmers and other small businesses, have greatly reduced the number of farm estates subject to the tax and the amount owed. While nearly 10 percent of commercial farm estates could owe tax in 2009, only 1 to 2 percent of all farm estates are estimated to be subject to the Federal estate tax this year.

Vegetable and Melons Yearbook Data tables

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Production, acreage, value, prices, imports, exports, and per capita utilization for major fresh market and processed vegetables. Also includes data for potatoes, sweet potatoes, dry beans and peas, and fresh and processed mushrooms.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Thu, 14 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Wheat Outlook

Thu, 14 May 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.

Feed Outlook

Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Oil Crops Outlook

Wed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Wed, 13 May 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.

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Wed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 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.

Rice Outlook

Wed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Aquaculture Data

Wed, 13 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:45:00 GMT

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Tue, 12 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Tue, 12 May 2009 20:00:00 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.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Factors Behind the Rise in Global Rice Prices in 2008

Thu, 7 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Global rice prices rose to record highs in the spring of 2008, with trading prices tripling from November 2007 to late April 2008. The price increase was not due to crop failure or a particularly tight global rice supply situation. Instead, trade restrictions by major suppliers, panic buying by several large importers, a weak dollar, and record oil prices were the immediate cause of the rise in rice prices. Because rice is critical to the diet of about half the world�s population, the rapid increase in global rice prices in late 2007 and early 2008 had a detrimental impact on those rice consumers� well-being. Although rice prices have dropped more than 40 percent from their April 2008 highs, they remain well above pre-2007 levels.