Some estimates suggest that just 5% of farms will produce 75% or more of America’s agricultural output by 2040. While the forces of consolidation and transformation are well known to industry leaders, the nature of the farmers of the future is open to speculation, according to new research from Scott Caine, executive vice president of Aimpoint Research.In this episode we talk with Caine about his company's research on the "Farmer of the Future," and discuss the trends and issues at play over the next 20 years.We do think farmers are going to decrease, and the number of farms are going to decrease significantly and by significantly we say by like 45% over the next several decades and it's not a loss as much as it is a change, Caine told Feedstuffs policy editor Jacqui Fatka last month at the Ohio Agribusiness Assn.'s annual industry conference."As, as all economies mature, there are changes in the marketplace and you're going to have some people who see that our value across the entire chain as a way of making things more efficient," Caine said. "It's a dynamic marketplace and what we're seeing are those people who are willing to step into it, look for the opportunities, find those because that's their disposition are the ones that we think are going to continue to grow, continue to be the dominant producers in the future, and will likely be part of that community that exists in 20 years where others will have been left behind and they're going to have to search for their marketplace."This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health. If you missed Balchem's recent mini-symposium on methyl donor metabolism, you can watch a series of short videos recapping presentations held during the Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Visit BalchemANH.com/Florida to watch these short videos.For more information on this and other stories, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

Trade is hugely important to U.S. agriculture. In late February, U.S. Department of Agriculture chief economist Robert Johansson said U.S. agricultural exports will top $139.5 billion in 2020.With ongoing trade tensions with China and growing concerns about the economic impact of a potential global coronavirus pandemic, the outlook for U.S. ag trade may be more uncertain than the numbers suggest. One USDA leader, however, is plenty bullish on the prospect of a return to growth in U.S. ag sales abroad.On the sidelines of the USDA Ag Outlook Forum in late February, Feedstuffs policy editor Jacqui Fatka caught up with USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign ag affairs Ted McKinney. With his stated goal of reaching the "million-mile club" in flying around the world to promote U.S. agricultural products as context, McKinney offered an update on recent trade deals including USMCA, Japan and the Phase One agreement with China.For more information on this and other stories, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

As the livestock and poultry industries have become more global in nature, concern over the spread of foreign animal diseases seems to be an ever-present issue. Most recently, the rapid spread of African swine fever throughout Asia presented significant challenges to the international trade of pork and feed ingredients. How will the U.S. swine industry react if ASF makes its way across the ocean and lands on our domestic shores?In this episode we talk with Greg Ibach, U.S. Department of Agriculture under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs about what USDA is doing to prevent the arrival of ASF in the U.S., and the department’s planning for what happens if the disease breaks here anyway.Earlier this month at the annual USDA Ag Outlook Forum, Ibach hosted a panel discussion on ASF. After the session he sat down with Feedstuffs  policy editor Jacqui Fatka to recap the discussion. This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus  is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting their website.For more information on this and other stories, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

Last month Walmart officially entered the beef business when it opened a case-ready beef plant in Thomasville, Ga. The plant will process whole-muscle cuts produced by Walmart’s new Angus beef supply chain for 500 stores in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. As the largest grocery retailer in the U.S., Walmart’s move toward vertically-integrating part of its beef supply sent ripples through the industry.In this episode of Feedstuffs In Focus we talk with Will Sawyer, lead animal protein economist at CoBank, about what Walmart’s move means for the beef supply chain in general, and how it compares to other similar moves by retailers such as Costco.Sawyer recently authored a report on Walmart’s new beef plant in which he called the investment “more sizzle than steak” for now, but said that the development bears watching as much for how consumers react as for how it changes the dynamics of the supply chain.At the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show earlier this month in San Antonio, Sawyer talked with Feedstuffs editor Krissa Welshans about Walmart and how this plant could lead to much bigger and more significant investments in the future. The two also discussed recent developments in plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives.For more information on this and other stories, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

In this episode we hear from one of the leaders at Dairy Management Inc., the organization working to increase demand for dairy through research, education and innovation using farmers’ dairy checkoff investment.Chad Galer is vice president of food safety and product research at DMI, where he is one of several dairy industry professionals working to grow the dairy category on behalf of farmers. From 1983 to 2018, per capita consumption in the U.S. grew 73 lb., to 646 lb. per capita, nearly matching peak consumption recorded way back in 1962. Total dairy sales have grown 86% since 1983, according to DMI data, with cheese, yogurt and other innovative products all playing a role.Galer, known for his "Chad the cheese guy" YouTube videos sharing fun tidbits about cheese, recently talked with Feedstuffs editor Krissa Welshans about innovation in the dairy industry, including some reasons for optimism in the fluid milk space given the wildly successful launch of Fairlife and its recent acquisition by Coca-Cola.This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health. If you missed Balchem's recent mini-symposium on methyl donor metabolism, you can watch a series of short videos recapping presentations held during the Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium: Visit BalchemANH.com/Florida to watch these short videos.For more information on this and other stories, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

The feed, poultry and meat industries gather every January at the International Production and Processing Expo, what the organizers describe as “the world's largest annual poultry, feed, and meat technology exposition.” More than 32,000 attendees attended this year’s Expo in late January, discussing topics ranging from the global markets to animal disease outbreaks and international trade. One attendee – the new President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association – was particularly interested in how those issues and discussions affect the nearly 700 domestic and international companies and organizations her association represents. In this episode we hear from Constance Cullman, AFIA’s new chief executive, to get her first impressions of the state of the industry just months into her tenure. We’ll also talk with Brian Earnest, a commodity analyst with IHS Markit, about the status of the poultry markets and his outlook for 2020.This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Hog Slat and Georgia Poultry. New for 2020, the Classic Pullet feed pan: Built to handle the most aggressive birds, the Classic Pullet features an anti-rotation clip, feed shut-off slide, and a shallow divided pan. Learn more at HogSlat.com. 

The feed and livestock industry is a major part of the global economy, and what happens in one corner of the globe – say a major swine disease outbreak in China, for example – has far reaching implications around the globe, from animal health to dollars and cents. Understanding how global customers make food-buying decisions, anticipating future needs of the international market, and dealing with trade disruptions and political flare ups are all part of the deal for leaders in this industry.In this episode we sit down for a fireside chat with Dr. Mark Lyons, the CEO of Alltech, a global animal nutrition and biosciences company with 6,000 employees operating in more than 120 countries. Dr. Lyons has at different points in his career led the company’s efforts in Brazil and most recently in China, where he led the Alltech office in Beijing and focused on building bridges between China and the wider industry through research, education and strategic initiatives. In a wide ranging conversation drawing on his vast global experience and perspective, Lysons discusses topics including his company's work on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, issues and opportunities to grow the feed and animal protein business in China and Brazil, and the effect African Swine Fever has had on the feed and livestock industries. We also discuss the shifting sands of animal disease issues and consumer feelings toward agriculture technologies, get his sense of where the industry is heading in the decade ahead, and learn about his vision for a "planet of plenty."For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

Increased sow mortality rates have a serious impact on farm profitability and employee morale. Issues including lameness, feet and leg issues and prolapses are all significant aspects of rising sow mortality rates. Research published in 2018 from veterinarians at the Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minnesota, estimate that prolapses on a 2,500-sow farm cost roughly $34 per inventoried sow or $850 per prolapsed sow. Earlier research from the University of Minnesota found that reducing sow mortality from 10% to 6% would add $4,000/year in income for a 600-sow farm, or roughly 33 cents per weaned pig.In this week’s episode, we talk with a veterinarian at Zoetis about her company’s effort to teach production managers the value of conducting health, welfare and performance assessments on every sow, from every breed group, every day.This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Hog Slat, and their new 54-inch Infinity fan. By utilizing advanced motor technology, this fan offers precise variable speed control with lower energy costs and reduced maintenance. Learn more at Hog Slat.com.  At this week’s Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines, Zoetis introduced their Individual Sow Care program — a comprehensive, on-farm training program designed to get production managers and on-farm caregivers on board with daily health, welfare and performance assessments – for every sow. Veterinarian Eva Jablonski says sow mortality rates in the U.S. have increased dramatically in recent years and now average about 15 percent, leading Zoetis to create a training program focused on proactively assessing sow health, performance, body condition and environment as part of the quest to improve sow longevity and productivity.For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

Good pigs start with good genetics. As our understanding of the animal’s genetic code deepens and technology advances, so does the industry’s ability to enhance and influence a suite of traits and characteristics. One relatively new area of focus is breeding pigs for increased natural robustness to disease – in other words, breeding pigs that are hardier in the face of disease pressure and are even less likely to get sick in the first place. This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin, the second largest swine genetics company in the world. Topigs Norsvin’s unique breeding program is designed to accelerate genetic progress at the customer level by creating innovative products and solutions that benefit the entire pork production chain.Jenelle Dunkelberger earned her doctorate in genetics at Iowa State University, where she studied the role of host genetics in susceptibility to viral disease in pigs. Since completing her graduate studies, she’s spent the past three years applying her research to the genetic programs at Topigs Norsvin. In this episode, Dunkelberger explains what she and her colleagues have learned about the role of genetics in managing swine diseases.For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

One of the biggest continuing storylines in the feed and livestock sector is trade policy, and how its twists and turns shift and shape markets for feed ingredients and animal proteins. Headlines on topics from trade wars to trade agreements were a frequent feature of our coverage in 2019 and that looks to continue well into the new year.USMCA moved one step closer to  ratification with the Senate taking action this week, but the deal isn't across the goal line just yet. Meanwhile trade tensions linger with China, and the hopes agriculture interests from a variety of sectors hang in the balance.In this episode of Feedstuffs In Focus sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health, American Farm  Bureau Federation economist Veronica Nigh walks us through a deep dive of what USCMA means for U.S. ag interests, with a particular focus on dairy. Nigh also updates us on progress toward more amicable trade relations with China, and the opportunities for increased trade with Japan.0:00 In many ways, 2019 was a big year for trade. USMCA was one of the biggest storylines of the year, and has big implications for U.S. agriculture, as do storylines involving Japan, Korea and China.5:05 What does USMCA mean for U.S. farmers in terms of opportunities for better profitability in the export market?8:40 In some ways, USMCA provides a blueprint for future trade agreements and partnerships.11:25 Dairy is one of the biggest winners of USCMA, but it's not the only sector that will benefit from the new agreement.13:18 USMCA wasn't the only deal done in 2019; Japan was another key market where trade policy was in play last year.21:11  Korea is also an important U.S. ag export market that saw policy movement of note.23:30 Everything comes back to China. Nigh talks the latest developments with a trade agreement moving forward in the coming days.28:35 Where are other opportunities for increased agricultural trade overseas?31:35 As we look to 2020, Nigh gives an outlook for the year in trade and what it means for the ag markets generally.For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

The new year is a time when many people reflect on the successes and challenges of the previous 365 days and look ahead with excitement for the opportunities that lie in the 12 months ahead. For the agriculture industry in general and livestock producers in particular, 2019 was fraught with frustrations. From trade tensions to political uncertainty, it was a year that saw the slowest global economic growth since the depths of the financial crisis. While a "Phase One" trade agreement was reached with China a few weeks ago,  following movement  on trade deals involving Japan and the USMCA, plenty of economic headwinds persist as a new decade dawns.In this episode, American Farm Bureau Federation livestock economist Michael Nepveux talks with Feedstuffs policy editor Jacqui Fatka about those headwinds, and what he sees ahead for livestock production and trade in the days ahead. 0:00 Happy New Year! Welcome to the year's first episode.1:46 AFBF livestock economist Michael Nepveux describes the 2019 livestock markets, including: - Black Swan events like the Holcomb fire and its effect on the beef markets;- Why a trade deal with Japan is important given the U.S. withdrawal from TPP;- Continued expansion in pork production side, and how ASF-related issues continue to influence that market; and,- What implications African Swine Fever has for the U.S. poultry market.5:45 All of those issues and opportunities in the livestock sector have a direct impact on feed markets as well.9:20 China may be the 800-pound gorilla of global trade, but it is not the only destination for U.S. exports. Nepveux discusses opportunities aside from China for U.S. meat, poultry and dairy sales abroad.13:27 It's a new year; does that mean new opportunities, or more of the same for the feed and livestock markets?For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

Political volatility, uncertainty in the export markets, spring flooding and propane shortages… these are just a few of the big challenges that faced grain handlers and feed manufacturers in 2019. How did elevators and feed mills weather the literal and metaphorical storms of the year, and what is the outlook for the industry in 2020?In this episode we discuss those topics, and a few more, with Randy Gordon, president of the National Grain & Feed Assn.At NGFA's Country Elevator Conference in early December, Gordon hosted a fireside chat with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on trade issues from China to the USMCA agreement. Gordon discussed those issues with Feedstuffs policy editor Jacqui Fatka in this episode, and explained why trade is such an important issue for members of his organization.Gordon also discusses the work of an NGFA task force on issues related to the regulation of the U.S. rail industry and how some “systemic problems and flaws” in those regulations are problematic for the grain industry “given the ever-growing exercise of market power by Class I railroads."For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

What do food buyers at the grocery store really want when it comes to meat? For livestock producers, packers, food processors and retailers, sometimes answering that question feels like hitting a moving target.To get a better look at what moves the needle in the meat case, we talked with a case-ready commodity manager at one of the nation's largest grocers. Judson Armentrout is a commodity management coordinator at The Kroger Company, the largest supermarket chain in the U.S. and the second-largest general retailer behind Walmart.Operating 2,759 supermarkets and multi-department stores in the U.S. along with 35 food processing and manufacturing facilities, Kroger is as close to having a finger on the pulse of the American consumer as you can get. In this episode Armentrout  discusses a wide range of topics, from meat packaging and label claims to concerns over swine gestation stalls and similar issues consumers raise with regard to livestock production systems.0:00 Judson Armentrout discusses his background in agriculture and retail meat marketing, and what his team does at Kroger.3:33  What are the current trends in the meat case - what are consumers buying, and how does that influence Kroger's labeling and branding strategy?6:00 Are consumers open to purchasing meat products from gene-edited livestock?8:23 Armentrout provides an update on Kroger's decision to eliminate gestation stalls from its pork supply chain, and how the company is working with suppliers to do so.10:27 What, precisely, is the difference between terms like "organic," "clean" and "natural"? Armentrout explains what they mean in terms of Kroger's Simple Truth brand.13:41 What does a state-level mandate such as California's Proposition 12 mean for a national retail chain like Kroger?15:14 Armentrout looks into the future, and describes what he sees coming ahead for the pork industry at retail, including his company's initiatives on food security and food waste.Related: Feedstuffs policy editor Jacqui Fatka covered the latest judicial ruling on a challenge by the North American Meat Institute to California's Proposition 12.For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

Despite challenging weather conditions and an erratic global trade situation, there is a good chance feed prices could stabilize in 2020. Softer exports and strong planting intentions could keep corn prices below $4, and protein sources from soy to fishmeal should see plentiful supplies keep a lid on prices, too.Agricultural economist Ben Brown oversees the farm management program at The Ohio State University. On the sidelines of Ohio State’s annual farm outlook conference in mid-November he spoke with Feedstuffs policy editor Jacqui Fatka about what USDA's latest stocks and usage data tell us about the outlook for feed prices in the new year.For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

U.S. net farm income is projected to hit $88 billion for 2019, a third-consecutive year of at least modest growth. But federal trade assistance payments are the underlying reason for that growth according to Ohio State University agricultural economist Ani Katchova. Crop-sector receipts are expected to decline this year while animal product receipts are expected to remain flat in 2019. Modest growth has been seen in land values, and although cash rents are up roughly 1-2% in the U.S., rents remain stagnant after adjusting for inflation. While there are signs of financial stress in farm country, ag loan delinquency rates and bankruptcy rates have remained at historic lows during the past few years. In this episode we ask the question, how bad is it out there, really? 

African Swine Fever is a fatal swine disease with a near-100% fatality rate according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. In the first year since its detection in Asia, more than 5 million pigs have died or been culled to prevent the spread of the virus. The latest data provided by FAO indicates that current losses represent more than 10 percent of the total pig population in each of China, Vietnam and Mongolia. Veterinarians tending the U.S. swine herd are working with pork producers, the feed industry and regulatory officials to prevent the arrival of the disease and to prepare plans to mitigate its spread if ever it does land in the U.S.But what if ASF is already here?One veterinarian speaking at the Ohio State University Agricultural Policy & Outlook Conference in mid-November thinks that is a possibility given the number of people in the industry traveling between the U.S. and affected regions of the world.In this episode, Cooper Farms veterinarian Don Davidson, and National Pork Producers Council chief veterinarian Liz Wagstrom share their perspectives on the disease and take a deeper dive into the ongoing efforts of the industry to keep ASF out of the U.S.For more information, visit Feedstuffs online.Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.