Rural Health Disparities and Mexican Cattle Update
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**A new study from University of Illinois and USDA economists says growing health disparities are contributing to workforce challenges across rural America.
The report finds adults ages 25 to 54 in rural communities are dying from natural causes at significantly higher rates than their urban counterparts.
Researchers say the trend could have lasting economic consequences by reducing the available workforce needed to support rural businesses and local economies.
**USDA will begin reopening the southern border to cattle imports from Mexico next month after determining conditions have improved in the fight against New World screwworm.
The USDA says the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry will reopen August 24 for cattle from Mexico's Sonora state.
Additional ports could reopen if Mexico continues meeting animal health requirements.
Every animal entering the U.S. will undergo a full USDA inspection.
**USDA’s July Food Price Outlook says food prices will rise 3.1% this year.
Food-at-home prices will rise 2.7%, while food-away-from-home will climb 3.5%.
Beef prices increased 1.4% from May to June and were almost 12% higher than the same time last year.
Pork prices rose less than 1%.
Retail egg prices fell almost a full percent and were 28% below June 25.
