A short-term budget agreement passed by Congress early Saturday morning averted a government shutdown after a chaotic week in the U.S. House. In the process of passing the three-month agreement to continue funding the federal government until March 14, lawmakers also extended the 2018 farm bill for another full year. The agreement also provides more than $110 billion in disaster relief to areas still recovering from hurricanes, wildfires and floods.

Earlier this year, it was expected that the number of cattle on feed would shrink year over year in the second half of 2024, based on smaller inventory levels at the beginning of the year, and that year-over-year higher calf prices would result in retention of heifers, limiting numbers in the feedlot.

The December Feed Outlook report shows the 2024-25 U.S. corn ending stocks are reduced on greater use. The 2024-25 U.S. coarse grains supply forecast remains relatively unchanged this month at 447.5 million tons.

The December World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed this month’s 2024-25 U.S. corn outlook is for greater corn used for ethanol, larger exports and lower ending stocks.

Tyson Foods announced Dec. 4 it is closing three U.S. plants affecting more than 1,000 employees, biggest among them being the Emporia, Kansas, facility with 809 workers. Two other prepared food facilities in Philadelphia that produce frozen cheesesteaks are also closing.

The U.S. suspends Mexico cattle imports after New World screwworm (NWS) was identified in an infected cow at a livestock inspection checkpoint close to the border of Guatemala, in the state of Chiapas. The U.S. was notified by Mexico government officials on Nov. 22, 2024.

Here are some of the main stories that affected beef and ag industries in the past year.

The November Feed Outlook report shows 2024-25 U.S. coarse grains supplies are reduced on lower corn yields. The 2024-25 U.S. coarse grain supply forecast is lower this month, as a slight decrease in corn yields offsets gains in sorghum supplies realized through elevated yields.