(Dave Bedard photo)

FCC’s top economic charts to monitor in 2024

Downward trends for cattle, swine herds; positive bent to feed, fertilizer affordability

As we start the new year amid elevated inflation and major headwinds facing the economy, here are our top charts to help make sense of the economic environment for farm operations, agribusinesses and food processors.



After a few years of high feed costs due to rising crop prices and supply chain disruption, livestock producers are getting a break.

Livestock producers see relief on feed prices

Corn and soy both on downward trends following record highs, after livestock producers looked to alternatives and new practices or just had to pay more

There is some optimism for Ontario livestock sectors rocked in the past two years by rising feed costs. Continued projections of a strong 2023-24 corn supply are putting downward pressure on prices. The United States Department of Agriculture’s July 12 supply and demand report also had a downward effect on prices, with a record corn […] Read more