agriculture

The American beef market has rebounded since the dark days of 2003, when a report of "mad cow disease" virtually shut down U.S. beef and pork exports. Now, thanks to strong demand from Asia, industry officials say 2010 was the best year ever for U.S. beef exports.

Native to the Himalaya and still exotic in North America, yaks have potential. They're environmentally sound, relatively easy to raise, have cashmere-like wool and lower-fat meat than beef. They're still a niche -- but gaining notice.

If you've been to a supermarket lately, you've probably noticed that food prices are soaring. And that spells an opportunity for investors. Asset-management expert John Stephenson offers tips for small investors aiming to tap into the agricultural market.

Global food prices rose to a record high last month, overtaking even the levels seen during the 2007-2008 food crisis. The UN Food and Agricultural Organization said its food price index rose to 214.7 points last month, an increase of almost 4.2% from November, according to The Financial Times....

The people who help bring you Domino Sugar, C&H sugar and Jack Frost have carved out a successful green niche with Florida Crystals' natural sugar and organic sugar, "sustaining the environment" and being "sweet to Mother Nature," according to the product web site. But critics say the wealthy...

Florida declared a state of emergency because of the threat of damage to crops from cold weather. Temperatures in central and northern Florida could fall as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit tonight, Bloomberg News reported. "The coldest night is actually tonight," said Jason Nicholls, a senior...

Since the mad cow scare of 2003, South Korea has been a tough market for U.S. beef: The country first banned it, then severely limited imports. But a pending new trade agreement could mark the resumption of normal trade and the start of a more prosperous era for American beef exports.

Spreading at 12% a year across 17 Western state, this invasive species -- with its high silica content and spiky heads and seeds that cut animals' mouths -- forces livestock to go elsewhere to feed. That can raise costs for ranchers and result in skinnier cattle.

Deere & Co. (DE) reported earnings of $1.07 per share for the quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with a loss of 53 cents per share a year ago. The earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 included charges worth 76 cents per share related to the impairment of goodwill and voluntary employee...

The price of corn has shot up 8% during the week of Oct. 11 alone, bringing the total rise to close to 50% in the last three months. As farmers cull herds to save feed costs, meat supplies will shrink -- and the price of hamburger and pork chops will be rising.