Earnings up for Animal Protein sector in Cargill’s Q2 report

Cargill reported net earnings of $556 million in the fiscal 2014 second quarter ended Nov. 30, up 36 percent from $409 million in the year-ago period. First-half earnings were $1.13 billion, down 19 percent from $1.38 billion a year ago. Second-quarter revenues decreased 7 percent to $32.9 billion, which brought first-half revenues to $66.7 billion.

"Cargill posted a solid second quarter, with earnings improved in three of our four segments," said David MacLennan, Cargill's president and chief executive officer. "We also oversaw the opening of several new investments that support customers' growth and success." The company's results were supported in part by 2013's improved crop production. The impact on supply and demand caused prices for agricultural commodities to come down from last year's highs, providing relief to Cargill's animal nutrition and protein segment.