USDA Economic Research Service - What's New

DatelinERS Newsletter

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 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/.

Feed Grains Database

Fri, 20 Nov 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.

Wheat Data

Fri, 20 Nov 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.

Ethanol and a Changing Agricultural Landscape

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 GMT

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 established specific targets for the production of biofuel in the United States. Until advanced technologies become commercially viable, meeting these targets will increase demand for traditional agricultural commodities used to produce ethanol, resulting in land-use, production, and price changes throughout the farm sector. This report summarizes the estimated effects of meeting the EISA targets for 2015 on regional agricultural production and the environment. Meeting EISA targets for ethanol production is estimated to expand U.S. cropped acreage by nearly 5 million acres by 2015, an increase of 1.6 percent over what would otherwise be expected. Much of the growth comes from corn acreage, which increases by 3.5 percent over baseline projections. Water quality and soil carbon will also be affected, in some cases by greater percentages than suggested by changes in the amount of cropped land. The economic and environmental implications of displacing a portion of cornethanol production with ethanol produced from crop residues are also estimated.

Meat Price Spreads

Wed, 18 Nov 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

Tue, 17 Nov 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.

Comparing Two Sources of Retail Meat Price Data

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The livestock industry uses information on meat prices at different stages in the marketing system to make production decisions. When grocery stores began using electronic scanners to capture prices paid for meat, it was assumed that the livestock industry could capitalize on having these point-of-sale data available as a measure of the value of its products. This report compares scanner price data with publicly available data collected by the U.S. Department of Labor�s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Of the two data types, scanner data provide more information about retail meat markets, including a wider variety of meat-cut prices, multiple measures of an average price, the volume of sales, and the relative importance of discounted prices. The scanner data sample, however, is not statistically drawn, and complicated processing requirements delay its release, which makes scanner data less useful than BLS data for analyzing current market conditions.

Aquaculture Data

Tue, 17 Nov 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.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:00:00 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.

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Mon, 16 Nov 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.

Food Security in the United States

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT

The Food Security in the United States briefing room provides a central point for obtaining information about current trends in food security and the most recent reports and data related to food security. Recent statistics are based on data from the December 2008 food security survey. In 2008, 85 percent of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year, meaning that they had access, at all times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. The prevalence of food insecurity (14.6 percent) was up from 11.1 percent in 2007. This is the highest recorded prevalence rate of food insecurity since 1995 when the first national food security survey was conducted. ERS plays a leading role in Federal research on food security in U.S. households and communities.

Household Food Security in the United States, 2008

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Eighty-five percent of American households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2008, meaning that they had access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. The remaining households (14.6 percent) were food insecure at least some time during the year, including 5.7 percent with very low food security�meaning that the food intake of one or more household members was reduced and their eating patterns were disrupted at times during the year because the household lacked money and other resources for food. Prevalence rates of food insecurity and very low food security were up from 11.1 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively, in 2007, and were the highest recorded since 1995, when the first national food security survey was conducted. The typical food-secure household spent 31 percent more on food than the typical food-insecure household of the same size and household composition. Fifty-five percent of all food-insecure households participated in one or more of the three largest Federal food and nutrition assistance programs during the month prior to the 2008 survey.

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Mon, 16 Nov 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.

Amber Waves, December 2009, Vol. 7, Issue 4

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 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 four times a year (March, June, September, and December). The internet edition, or �eZine,� includes links to web- only resources, such as podcasts and additional articles.

The Debt Finance Landscape for U.S. Farming and Farm Businesses

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Income and wealth for farm businesses have changed noticeably this decade. Debt levels have been rising, asset levels have outpaced debt despite a recent fall in land prices, and equity has more than doubled for farm businesses. However, recent declines in farm income and falling land prices have raised concerns about the financial position of U.S. farms. Total farm sector debt reached a record $240 billion in 2008, a $26-billion increase over 2007. Debt is expected to decline to $234 billion in 2009. The distribution of debt among farm operators has also been changing. In 1986, nearly 60 percent of farms used debt financing. By 2007, the number had dropped to 31 percent. In essence, farm debt has become more concentrated in fewer, larger farm businesses. Lenders and farm operators indicate that real estate accounts for the largest use of farm debt. Debt repayment capacity utilization (DRCU) of farm operators has dropped since the 1980s. DRCU dropped from 27 percent in 2000 to 22 percent in 2007. Larger farms are more likely to use more of their debt capacity.

Food Insecurity Up in Recessionary Times

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The recent economic downturn has brought a sharp increase in the number of Americans who report having difficulty meeting their food needs. In fact, in 2008, the number and percentage of U.S. households classified as �food insecure� reached the highest level recorded since Federal monitoring of food insecurity began in 1995. USDA�s food and nutrition assistance programs provide additional resources in times of rising food insecurity. In fiscal 2008, combined expenditures for all USDA food and nutrition assistance programs totaled $60.6 billion, an increase of 10 percent over expenditures in 2007.

Global Economic Crisis Threatens Food Security in Lower Income Countries

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Import capacity is expected to decline in many lower income countries due to the global economic downturn, with potential food security implications. Based on an ERS study, the number of food-insecure people in 70 developing countries was estimated to increase 2 percent in 2009. The highest growth in food insecurity is likely to be in Sub-Saharan Africa because domestic agricultural production is assumed to revert to average levels following above-average production in 2008 and remain the most vulnerable region through the next decade.

Science, Technology, and Prospects for Growth

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Recent increases in inflation-adjusted crop prices have sparked renewed interest in the potential for continued increases in crop yields, particularly since increases in crop yields could affect food security, bioenergy production, and the Nation�s response to global climate change. Although market forces and biological factors influence corn yields, research investments have been the driving force behind increasing corn yields in the past. Continued scientific advances could accelerate the rate of growth in corn yields, but achieving a nationwide yield of 300 bushels per acre by 2030 would require a tripling of the projected growth rate, and would be historically unprecedented.

Removal of Government Controls Opens Peanut and Tobacco Sectors to Market Forces

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Farm legislation in the early 2000s eliminated longstanding supply controls and geographic restrictions on the production of peanuts and tobacco. Adjustments to the new environment occurred rapidly as many producers decided to quit growing peanuts and tobacco, and a substantial number of producers quit farming entirely. While farm numbers declined at a different rate for peanuts and tobacco, the ensuing consolidation produced fewer, but larger, farms for each crop that are more efficient and responsive to market developments.

Debt Landscape for U.S. Farms Has Shifted

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Farm business debt levels have risen noticeably over the past decade, reaching a record $240 billion in 2008. But the value of farm assets has grown even faster, increasing the wealth of farm operators. Nonetheless, recent declines in farm income and falling land prices have raised concerns about the financial position of U.S. farms that rely heavily of debt. In 1986, nearly 60 percent of farms used debt financing. By the end of 2007, farm debt was more concentrated in fewer, larger farm businesses, with only 31 percent of farms owing debt. And while the unused debt repayment capacity of farm operators is much lower than it was during the 1980�s farm financial crisis, larger farms are more likely to use a high share of their debt capacity. As a result, while the farm sector as a whole is in sound financial shape, some segments of the sector could be over-extended if incomes and land prices continue to fall.

Income Volatility Is Rising, With Mixed Effects on Nutrition Assistance Participation

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Income volatility has increased over the last four decades, with the greatest increase among those with the lowest incomes. The interaction of income volatility and program design has important implications for eligibility and participation in food and nutrition assistance programs, with some families not applying when eligible and others leaving while still eligible. In recent years, the effects of income volatility were eased when major nutrition assistance programs extended the periods for which households receive benefits.

The Post-Buyout Experience: Peanut and Tobacco Sectors Adapt to Policy Reform

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Marketing quota and price support programs for peanuts and tobacco were a longstanding feature of U.S. farm policy, from the 1930s until the Government enacted quota buyouts, in 2002 for peanuts and 2004 for tobacco. Quota owners were compensated with temporary payments, but elimination of the quota programs exposed producers more to market risks and brought about structural changes at farm, regional, and marketwide levels. Since the buyouts, many peanut and tobacco farms have exited production. The farms that remain are mostly larger and have adopted new risk management strategies, such as contracting. Freed of the planting restrictions in the quota programs, production of peanuts, and to a lesser extent of tobacco, has been relocated to regions better suited to their growth. While total acreage and prices for peanuts and tobacco have remained below pre-buyout levels, the lower prices�along with increased production efficiency�have supported renewed growth in demand, particularly in export markets.

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:30:00 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.

Wheat Outlook

Fri, 13 Nov 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, 13 Nov 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.

Oil Crops Outlook

Thu, 12 Nov 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, 12 Nov 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.

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 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.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:00 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.

International Macroeconomic Data Set

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Provides data for real Gross Domestic Product, population, real exchange rates, and other variables for the 35 countries and 22 regions that are most important for U.S. agricultural trade.

DatelinERS Newsletter

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 20:00:00 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/.

Fruit and Tree Nuts Yearbook Data tables

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Annual data on acreage, production, trade, supply and utilization, prices, and value of production for fruit and nuts including citrus, other tree fruits, grapes and other small fruits; supply and utilization of processed fruit and fruit juices.

Characteristics, Costs, and Issues for Organic Dairy Farming

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Organic milk production has been one of the fastest growing segments of organic agriculture in the United States in recent years. Despite the growing number of organic dairy operations, the characteristics of organic dairy operations and the relative costs of organic and conventional milk production have been difficult to analyze. This study, using 2005 ARMS data for U.S. dairy operations, which include a targeted sample of organic milk producers, examines the structure, costs, and challenges of organic milk production. The analysis addresses economies of size, regional differences, and pasture use in organic milk production and compares organic and conventional milk production costs. The findings suggest that economic forces have made organic operations more like conventional operations and that the future structure of the industry may depend on the interpretation and implementation of new organic pasture rules.

Does SNAP Decrease Food Insecurity? Untangling the Self-Selection Effect

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Self-selection by more food-needy households into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called the Food Stamp Program) makes it difficult to observe positive effects of the program in survey data. This study investigates self-selection and ameliorative program effects by examining households� food security month by month for several months prior to initial receipt of SNAP benefits and for several months after joining the program.Two-year panels are constructed by matching the same households interviewed in the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement in 2 consecutive years using data from 2001 to 2006. Food security is observed to deteriorate in the 6 months prior to beginning to receive SNAP benefits and to improve shortly after. The results clearly demonstrate the self-selection by households into SNAP at a time when they are more severely food insecure. The results are consistent with a moderate ameliorative effect of SNAP�reducing the prevalence of very low food security among recent entrants by about one-third�although they do not conclusively demonstrate that extent of amelioration.

Monthly Milk Cost of Production

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

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

Food Spending Declined and Food Insecurity Increased for Middle-Income and Low-Income Households from 2000 to 2007

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

From 2000 to 2007, median spending on food by U.S. households declined by 12 percent relative to the (rising) cost of USDA�s Thrifty Food Plan, and by 6 percent relative to the (rising) Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Food and Beverages. Over the same period, the national prevalence of very low food security increased by about one-third, from 3.1 percent of households in 2000 to 4.1 percent in 2007. The deterioration in food security was greatest in the second-lowest income quintile, in which the prevalence of very low food security increased by about half. These estimates, based on data from the nationally representative Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement, are corroborated by corresponding declines in food expenditures by middle- and low-income households in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics� Consumer Expenditure Survey. The decline was largest in the second-lowest income quintile, in which average CPI-infl ation-adjusted spending for food declined by 16 percent. The declines in food spending by middle- and low-income households were accompanied by increases in spending for housing and, in the two lowest income quintiles, by declines in income and total spending.

2009 PREISM workshop

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

ERS's Program of Research on the Economics of Invasive Species Management (PREISM), an annual competitive grant and cooperative agreement program that focuses on national decisionmaking concerning agricultural invasive species, will hold its 2009 workshop on October 22-23 (Thursday and Friday), at ERS. The workshop is free and open to all, but please register to attend.

As a public service, this workshop will also be available as a WEBCAST provided by Blue Sky Broadcast, a private provider not affiliated with ERS.

Vegetables and Melons Outlook

Thu, 22 Oct 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.

Rural Amenities

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The rural outdoors has become a major asset for rural communities�and a key advantage that some rural areas have over urban areas. The rural outdoors can be enhanced through the construction of recreation facilities, but undeveloped rural landscapes have appeal on their own, both for recreation and as attractive places to live. This briefing room looks at the appeal of rural landscapes, the importance of forest landscape preferences, and the role of scenic amenities across the rural-urban continuum.

2009 PREISM workshop

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

As a public service, this workshop will also be available as a WEBCAST provided by Blue Sky Broadcast, a private provider not affiliated with ERS.

Wheat Data

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Feed Grains Database

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Agricultural Exchange Rate Data Set

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 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.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

RIDGE Conference: 2009 Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Program Conference

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Program encourages new and innovative research on food assistance and nutrition issues and broadens the participation of social science scholars in this important research area. The annual conference is a forum for grant recipients and attendees to discuss results of recently funded grants on food assistance programs, food security, and nutrition. This year�s RIDGE Conference will be held on October 15 and 16, 2009, at the Economic Research Service, 1800 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. A preliminary agenda is available. Attendance is free but registration is required due to limited space.

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Fri, 16 Oct 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

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

RIDGE Conference: 2009 Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Program Conference

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Aquaculture Data

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Feed Outlook

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Wheat Outlook

Wed, 14 Oct 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.

Rice Outlook

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Tue, 13 Oct 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

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:00:00 GMT

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Tue, 13 Oct 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.

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 14:30:00 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

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook

Mon, 5 Oct 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.

Commodity Costs and Returns Data

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

USDA has estimated annual production costs and returns and published accounts for major field crop and livestock enterprises since 1975. Cost and return estimates are reported for the U.S. and major production regions for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, grain sorghum, rice, peanuts, oats, barley, sugarbeets, tobacco, milk, hogs, and cow-calf. These cost and return accounts are historical accounts based on the actual costs incurred by producers during each year.

RIDGE Project Summaries, 2008: Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics Program

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMT

This report summarizes research findings from the Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics Program (RIDGE), formerly known as the Small Grants Program. The Economic Research Service created the program in 1998 to stimulate new and innovative research on food and nutrition assistance issues and to broaden the network of social scientists investigating the food and nutrition challenges that exist across communities, regions, and States. The report includes summaries of the research findings of projects that were awarded 1-year grants in summer and fall 2007. The results of these research projects were presented at the RIDGE conference in October 2008. The projects include analyses of WIC vendor access and fruit and vegetable availability, effects of food insecurity on the development of infants and toddlers, administrative data to evaluate CACFP in family child care homes, the economics of the Thrifty Food Plan, and food stamp use among the elderly. Several projects focus on specific populations such as immigrants, Native Americans, or people living in the rural South.

Disclaimer: The studies summarized herein were conducted under research grants originating with the Economic Research Service. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

For more information, see the RIDGE Program Briefing Room.

Marketing U.S. Organic Foods: Recent Trends From Farms to Consumers

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Organic foods now occupy prominent shelf space in the produce and dairy aisles of most mainstream U.S. food retailers. The marketing boom has pushed retail sales of organic foods up to $21.1 billion in 2008 from $3.6 billion in 1997. U.S. organic-industry growth is evident in an expanding number of retailers selling a wider variety of foods, the development of private-label product lines by many supermarkets, and the widespread introduction of new products. A broader range of consumers has been buying more varieties of organic food. Organic handlers, who purchase products from farmers and often supply them to retailers, sell more organic products to conventional retailers and club stores than ever before. Only one segment has not kept pace�organic farms have struggled at times to produce sufficient supply to keep up with the rapid growth in demand, leading to periodic shortages of organic products.

Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Provides current intelligence and forecasts the effects of changing conditions in the U.S. fruit and tree nuts sector. Topics include production, consumption, shipments, prices received, and more.

Released by 4 p.m. ET. Subscribe to the free electronic version to receive timely notification of newsletter (and yearbook) availability. Users who subscribe to this newsletter will also receive articles on timely topics via e-mail notification. Printed copies can be purchased from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling 1-800-999-6779 (specify SUB-FTS-4036).

DatelinERS Newsletter

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:00:00 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

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:00:00 GMT

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