USDA expects to halt some reports if Government shuts down

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it won’t release some statistical reports on agricultural markets if there is a partial government shutdown. The USDA plans to furlough employees who produce information on prices of commodities such as pork, poultry, milk and grains if Congress fails to reach a deal to avoid a shutdown Monday, according to the agency’s website. Agency reports covering supply levels for some commodities also could be affected. Federal meat inspectors would continue to report to work, leaving unaffected the meat industry’s production of chicken, beef and other products, the USDA said. The biggest impact in the agriculture industry would be for investors and traders in commodities and equities markets, who rely on USDA statistical reports to make investment decisions, said Brett Hundley, an agribusiness analyst with BB&T Capital Markets in Richmond, Va. Read More