While Brazil is neither the world s largest beef producer, nor the world s largest beef consumer, it is by far the world s largest beef exporter, Nelson added. Brazil, with an estimated 207 million head of cattle, over 50 million of which are estimated to be beef cows, has the world s largest cattle herd, he said. By comparison, the United States has less than half that, with approximately 97 million head of cattle, 33 million of which are beef cows. There s no reason to think the laws we...

Since Pennsylvania is the fifth-largest milk producing state in the country, milk will be cheaper here than in states like Florida, where milk production is low. As milk prices soar at the grocery store, area farmers will be looking for relief from a financial squeeze created by wholesale milk prices that last year dipped to levels rivaling those of 25 years ago. Zdaniewicz, many of whom have gone into debt recently because of rising costs for gas, feed and equipment, and stagnant, even...

Milk prices rise and fall over the years, but prices have skyrocketed recently, affecting the pocketbooks of local consumers when they grab a gallon in stores and benefitting local dairy farmers. The reason behind the rising cost of milk can be boiled down to a couple factors - supply and demand and rising fuel and feed costs. Nevada law states that minimum pricing for Western and Northern Nevada milk is determined each month by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture,...

But in a state better known for smokestacks and suburban sprawl, the industry is often overshadowed by the region's more urban industries. Find www.app.com stories from the past week as well as calendar events, classifieds, advertisements, Yellow Page listings, local Web sites and more all in one search. But this vital industry from breeding farms down to hay growers is in increasing jeopardy due to growing competition from racetracks with slot machines in neighboring states, the steady...

Corn products are used not just to feed animals, but also to make high-fructose corn syrup, the sweetener of choice for such products as soft drinks and cookies. WASHINGTON - The nation's unquenchable thirst for gasoline - and finding an alternative to oil - has produced an unintended consequence: The costs of the foods that fuel our bodies have jumped. But now some economists and analysts say the corn-price increase could combine with other factors - poor weather and soaring energy costs...