USDA to Release November WASDE and Cattle on Feed Reports

By Andi Anderson

After a record-breaking 40 day government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the upcoming release of several critical agricultural reports for November. Among them are the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) and the Cattle on Feed (COF) reports, both of which play vital roles in shaping U.S. and global agricultural markets.

The prolonged shutdown disrupted USDA operations, delaying disaster aid payments and halting the publication of key data. Farmers, ranchers, and market analysts across the country were left without essential updates needed to make informed production and marketing decisions.

The WASDE report is one of the most influential resources in agriculture, offering detailed estimates on global crop production, consumption, and trade. These figures are vital for price discovery and market forecasting. Similarly, the COF report provides accurate counts of cattle on feed, placements in feedlots, and marketings for beef production—information essential for ranchers and meat industry stakeholders.

Without access to these reports, decision-makers have faced challenges navigating market uncertainty. Farmers planning harvests and livestock producers determining whether to breed or sell cattle depend heavily on these data releases to manage their operations efficiently.

According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), several major reports will now be published in November. The Crop Production and WASDE reports are scheduled for release on November 14, while the Cattle on Feed report will follow on November 21. These releases are expected to significantly influence commodity markets, potentially introducing new levels of volatility.

USDA has faced similar disruptions in the past, including during the 2018–2019 shutdown, when the January 2019 WASDE was delayed until February. The resumption of reporting is expected to restore stability and provide farmers and analysts with the reliable data they depend on to guide future decisions.

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