Agriculture

In late January, USDA released their annual Cattle Inventory report, which estimated the size of the US cowherd. As expected, beef herd liquidation continued during 2010 despite the stronger fall markets. US beef cow numbers fell by 1.6 percent, which was largely consistent with pre-report estimates. The number of heifers held for beef replacements may have been the biggest surprise of the report, falling by about 5 percent. With fewer cows and less heifer development, the 2011 calf crop will clearly be smaller than 2010.

John W McCauley, executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Kentucky, announced Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) began on March 14, and will continue through April 15. During the sign-up period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP’s competitive general sign-up at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.

John W McCauley, executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Kentucky, announced Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has set general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to begin on March 14, 2011, and continue through April 15, 2011. During the sign-up period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP’s competitive general sign-up at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.