Koch Industries, Inc. - Competitors

Koch Industries, Inc. Competition

Now Viewing Koch Industries, Inc.'s competition in: Agriculture Livestock Production

Recent Developments

Container Shortage Slowing Exports - Rising US exports have caused a shipping container shortage that's delaying the shipment of US agricultural products. Shipments are being delayed for months and cargo ship operators are raising prices, according to the Globe and Mail. US agricultural exports have risen 20 percent in the six months ending February 2008, but the Agricultural Transportation Coalition says that exporters could've shipped 20 to 30 percent more products if more containers were available.

Consumers Concerned About Meat Costs - More US consumers are concerned about the cost of meat, according to the American Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute. A survey by the two groups reveals that consumers rank price per pound as the most important factor when selecting meat, and that a majority compares meat prices before selecting and buying. High energy costs and a slumping economy are also causing consumers to eat at restaurants less often, according to the survey.

Congress Passes Veto-Proof Farm Bill - Congress has passed the $300 billion Farm Bill, which President Bush threatened to veto, with veto-proof margins. The legislation is too costly, relies on budget gimmicks, and lacks reform measures, according to the White House budget director. A key objection is the amount that would be paid to wealthy farmers in subsidies.

Competitive Landscape

Demand for meat, poultry, and dairy products is driven by domestic food consumption trends. The profitability of individual farms depends on efficient operations. Large companies have advantages in vertically integrated operations and economies of scale. Small operations can compete effectively by supplying local markets, specializing in heritage breeds, or raising humanely treated or hormone-free animals. Average annual revenue per worker for all US livestock and poultry farmers is $100,000.

Full Industry Overview For Agriculture Livestock Production

Agriculture Livestock Production Industry Forecast

from Hoover's/D&B subsidiary First Research

The output of US cattle ranching, dairy farming, and poultry, egg, and animal production is forecast to grow at an annual compounded rate of 4.6 percent between 2007 and 2012.

Cattle, Dairy, Poultry and Other Livestock Products Growth Slows and Steadies

First Research forecasts are based on INFORUM forecasts that are licensed from the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. (IERF) in College Park, MD. INFORUM's "interindustry-macro" approach to modeling the economy captures the links between industries and the aggregate economy.