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Getting the most out of reciprocal trade agreements
Recently, the USDA hosted a trade mission to Argentina and Ecuador. While the two markets are distinct from each other, they also have many similarities. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg led the mission and said he was impressed by the opportunities in both countries. Lindberg said the goal of the mission was to help convert some of the recent reciprocal trade agreements into lasting economic benefits for the U.S. ag industry. For more information,...
NCBA says Prop 12 language critical for cattle producers
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says language dealing with California’s Proposition 12 law has become one of the most important livestock issues tied to the Farm Bill debate in Washington. During the recent NAFB Washington Watch event, NCBA’s Sigrid Johannes...
Younger consumers continue to cook more pork
Demand for ground pork continues to grow, driven by its versatility in the kitchen and its role as a gateway protein for younger consumers learning to cook with pork. Gen Z and millennial consumers are leading in both purchase frequency and annual spending. Neal Hull,...
Major progress on beef trade at U.S.-China summit
On Friday, May 15, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) granted a five-year registration extension to 425 overdue U.S. beef establishments in China’s Food Import Food Establishment (CIFER) system – a critical step toward restoring market access for U.S....
NWS cases less than 100 miles from U.S. border
There are over 1,800 active cases of the New World Screwworm in Mexico, and 15 of those cases are now less than 100 miles from the U.S. border. Rear Admiral Michael Schroyer, the associate administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, says that...
China agrees to $17 billion in ag purchases
China has agreed to purchase at least $17 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually through 2028. That’s according to a White House fact sheet released Sunday following President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing. The agreement came after meetings between Trump and...
USDA watching western drought, Midwest summer outlook
Summer weather patterns remain difficult to predict heading into the heart of the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says current forecast models continue pointing toward ongoing drought concerns across much of the western United States. Speaking...
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White mold – the invisible soybean killer
Planting season will be over before we know it, and, unfortunately, that means plant diseases need to be a top priority for farmers to keep track of. In 2024 alone, white mold cost soybean farmers an estimated $281.1 million in yield losses, and the management window...
Stay food safe as grilling season kicks off
The Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the summer grilling season. USDA’s Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers said with the warmer weather, it’s important to protect against food safety risks. Carothers said the two-hour rule about leaving perishable...
Infrastructure expansion vital to U.S. fertilizer production
On Tuesday Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins provided updates on federal efforts to expand domestic fertilizer production. To increase fertilizer production capabilities, infrastructure improvements and upgrades are necessary and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is...
U.S. farmers lost $15 billion to tariffs
Recent studies by North Dakota State University revealed that U.S. tariffs and resulting retaliatory actions are driving significant economic losses for American agriculture, heavily impacting exports and raising farming costs. The study found that retaliatory tariffs...
Naig highlights bipartisan wins for Iowa agriculture
The Iowa Legislature wrapped up its 2026 session with several agriculture-related priorities crossing the finish line, including the bipartisan Iowa Farm Act and a major water quality and infrastructure funding package. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said the...
