Lower milk prices resulted in negative economic returns for Illinois dairy producers in 2015, according to figures summarized by University of Illinois agricultural economists in cooperation with the Illinois Farm Business Farm Management Association.  The average net price received per 100 pounds of milk was $17.35, which was less than total economic costs of $19.17. The price received for milk in 2015 was the lowest since 2010. On a per cow basis, total returns from milk were $4,053 compared to the total cost to produce milk of $4,463 per cow. [node:read-more:link]

Food and farming are way, way, way down on the list of issues of greatest importance to American voters as they head to the polls this November. Yet agricultural policy is heavily implicated in a number of hot-button voter issues, like healthcare, immigration, and the economy.  At any rate, food production is, arguably, the foundation of society, and voters would do well to understand how each candidate’s policy proposals are likely to affect it. [node:read-more:link]

Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts says the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal is crucial for farmers wanting access to new and growing markets. But in the midst of the presidential campaign the deal faces an uphill battle. Speaking on a panel at the Kansas State Fair Saturday, Roberts, who is the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman, distinguished the TPP from other trade deals. He says the agriculture industry stands to benefit too much for it to be allowed to fail. [node:read-more:link]

Over the past two and a half decades, U.S. households in the lowest income quintile spent between 29 and 43 percent of their annual before-tax income on food, compared with 7 to 9 percent spent by households in the highest income quintile. [node:read-more:link]

The U.S. [node:read-more:link]

USDA lowered its forecast for total red meat and poultry production for 2016 from last month, projecting lower beef, pork, and broiler production. Turkey production was raised. Corn production was lowered and soybean production raised in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. [node:read-more:link]

Chipotle Mexican Grill has resolved issues raised by nearly 100 customers who fell ill late last year in a series of outbreaks of E. Coli, norovirus and salmonella after eating at the restaurant chain.   A lawyer representing 96 individuals said the Denver-based fast casual chain reached financial settlements with the customers, although at least one person also asked for free burritos to settle her case. An estimated 510 people were sickened through separate outbreaks of E. Coli (14 states), norovirus (two states) and salmonella (1 state) that began late last year. [node:read-more:link]

This installment of Rural Snapshot looks at poverty in Pennsylvania. For the analysis, the Center used the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s 2016 federal poverty level (FPL) income numbers, which are based on household income and household size. In 2016, the poverty level for a family/household of three is $20,160. [node:read-more:link]

In the first half of 2016, a total of $3.54 billion in U.S.-made agricultural equipment was sold to other countries. That number may sound impressive, but is less so compared with the 12% tumble it has taken in comparison to the same time period last year, according to data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).  Not all areas saw a slip, however. The U.S. shipped $933 million worth of farm equipment to Europe so far this year, a 12% improvement from 2015. And Central America also saw a 12% boost. Elsewhere, the news wasn’t as positive. [node:read-more:link]

The state of California, wracked by drought, has 66 million dead trees across its landscape. They’ve been killed by both the drought itself and by voracious bark beetles, and now they’re just sitting there — destined to either decompose, burn in a wildfire, or be incinerated, for safety reasons, by state fire managers before the next blaze comes along. And it isn’t just California. Raging bark beetle infestations, fanned by warmer temperatures and droughts, have also struck forests in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho in recent years. [node:read-more:link]