USDA Reports June Farm Prices Mixed From May
NASHVILLE, TN – USDA’s latest Agricultural Prices report showed mixed market trends for June. The Prices Received Index dropped 1.2 percent from May to 138.5 but remains 9.2 percent higher than June 2024. The Crop Production Index rose slightly to 103.6, up 0.3 percent from the prior month but still 3.5 percent below year-ago levels. In contrast, the Livestock Production Index decreased 0.2 percent month-over-month but was up 16 percent compared to June 2024.
Farmers received lower prices in June for corn, market eggs, strawberries, and cantaloupes. Cattle, hogs, lettuce, and oranges posted stronger prices, helping to support overall revenues. USDA noted reduced marketing volumes for strawberries, eggs, cattle, and oranges, while wheat, hay, peaches, and grapes saw higher movement.
Meanwhile, input costs continued to rise. The Prices Paid Index increased 0.3 percent from May and is up 7.1 percent from June 2024. Higher costs for feeder cattle, pigs, potash, and other services outpaced declines in feed and forage-related expenses.
The report reflects persistent cost pressures on producers, even as livestock markets offer some support heading into late summer.
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White House Announces Major Global Tariff Policy Shift
WASHINGTON, DC – A sweeping tariff overhaul signed by President Donald Trump is poised to reshape U.S. agricultural trade. The Executive Order, issued July 31, modifies reciprocal tariffs on dozens of nations and imposes a baseline 10% duty on all others. It follows April’s national emergency declaration related to trade imbalances.
Countries with high trade surpluses, like India, Indonesia, and Thailand, now face duties of 19–25%. Agricultural exports may be hit particularly hard, as these nations have historically imported U.S. goods like soybeans, cotton, poultry, and ethanol. For example, India — already cautious about opening its market to American farm goods — will see a 25% tariff rate applied to all goods.
The order also cements recent bilateral deals. The European Union secured a 15% tariff cap alongside a pledge to buy $750 billion in U.S. energy by 2028. Japan will accept a 15% rate while boosting U.S. import access and investing $550 billion in American industry. Similar agreements with South Korea, the U.K., Vietnam, and others are in progress.
For farmers and ranchers, these shifting tariffs mean both opportunity and uncertainty. While expanded market access through deals may support U.S. agriculture, retaliatory tariffs or rising input costs from key partners could challenge exporters.
Cotton and soybean producers could face the steepest headwinds, especially in markets where competition with local or subsidized products remains fierce. Still, the administration argues the changes will drive reshoring and incentivize U.S.-based processing for commodities and food manufacturing.
Industry analysts recommend producers closely monitor global trade shifts, particularly those involving inputs, feed ingredients, and export partners. With tariff exemptions phasing out and de minimis rules tightened, the international playing field is set to shift rapidly for U.S. agriculture.
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Arkansas Turkey Plant Closure Reflects Industrywide Economic Pressure
NASHVILLE, TN – A major turkey processing plant in Arkansas has closed its doors effective August 1, citing sustained market pressure and declining turkey consumption. Industry sources report that the facility, located in northwest Arkansas, had faced financial stress due to rising production costs and soft retail demand.
The closure affects roughly 200 workers and signals ongoing turbulence in the U.S. turkey sector. USDA figures show lower per capita turkey consumption in recent years, with 2024 estimates under 15 pounds per person, down from a decade ago. Elevated feed and labor costs have also eroded processor margins, especially for mid-size operations.
Industry consolidation has accelerated in response. Larger integrators have absorbed more market share, while smaller processors struggle to remain profitable. Export challenges and changing consumer preferences have also contributed to uneven demand.
Analysts expect continued contraction in the sector, with tight supplies leading to stronger wholesale prices this fall. However, higher prices may not offset long-term demand concerns as consumers increasingly shift toward chicken and plant-based proteins.
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Wave of Locust Damage Disrupts Sunflower Oil Exports
LUBBOCK, TX – A new wave of locust damage is threatening sunflower crops in Ukraine, one of the world’s top sunflower oil exporters, according to Reuters. The pest outbreak raises fresh concerns about global sunflower oil supplies, particularly in markets like the United States, which rely heavily on imports.
The U.S. sunflower oil market reached $3.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow steadily over the next decade. Rising health consciousness, plant-based diets, and demand from the food processing sector have fueled expansion. The USDA and market analysts note that U.S. imports of sunflower oil rose 22% in 2024, with Ukraine among the top suppliers alongside Spain and Turkey. Sunflower oil is now the third-largest exported vegetable oil globally, behind palm oil and soybean oil.
If Ukraine’s production is further disrupted, U.S. processors may face tighter supplies and higher prices. Currently, about 15% of U.S. sunflower oil production is exported — mostly to Canada, Mexico, and Japan — while imports help meet domestic demand.
Key players in the U.S. market include ADM, Bunge, and Cargill. Industry analysts say the market remains optimistic long-term, with growth opportunities in foodservice, e-commerce, and even biofuels and cosmetics. However, new supply shocks like Ukraine’s locust outbreak could test that resilience.
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USDA Reports Gain in Ready-to-Cook Poultry
NASHVILLE, TN – The latest USDA Poultry Slaughter report shows U.S. poultry production totaled 4.39 billion pounds in June 2025, up 5 percent from June 2024.
The report reflects one more weekday and one fewer Saturday in June 2025 compared to the previous year, which likely contributed to higher processing volumes. Young chickens led the increase, totaling 5.19 billion pounds in live weight, also a 5 percent gain.
Turkey inspections totaled 522 million pounds, up 1 percent, while ducks increased 8 percent year-over-year. Mature chickens, however, declined by 23 percent to 52.9 million pounds.
The average weight of young chickens slaughtered was 6.59 pounds, up 1 percent. Mature chickens averaged 6.76 pounds, down 4 percent, while turkeys averaged 31.8 pounds, a 3 percent decrease.
