The cattle and beef industry, along with the rest of the U.S. and global economy, is in uncharted waters with the coronavirus pandemic. There are many unknowns about the timing, severity and aftermath of the disease.

Beef exports posted more modest growth in January, increasing 2.5% from a year ago in volume (107,374 metric tons [MT]) and 5% in value ($672.7 million). But beef muscle cut exports were the highest ever for the month of January at 81,342 MT, up 4% from a year ago, while muscle cut value increased 5% to $589.2 million.

Wholesale beef prices typically increase seasonally from February into March but have showed only scant improvement from the February low three weeks ago.

The ongoing wildfires in Australia represent the latest in nearly a decade of environmental challenges the country has faced. This has prompted questions about the impact of the fires on Australian cattle and beef production and trade. This article was compiled from several Australian reports and other media and data sources.

An interesting article recently published by Fabio Mattos, UNL grain economist, discussed changes that have happened and are likely to continue to happen in the world’s corn export market as Brazil further develops its corn production.

May exports of U.S. pork and beef were steady with last year’s strong volumes and increased year-over-year in value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

After months of negotiations, U.S. and Japan trade officials have reached an agreement that will give U.S. beef unrestricted access to Japan’s competitive meat market. 

Burger King recently announced the launch of its “Impossible Whopper,” a plant-based alternative to the traditional Whopper advertised as “All Whopper. No beef.”