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Markets react to July USDA cattle reports
The USDA released two important reports last week that each had a direct impact on the U.S. cattle industry: the July Cattle Inventory and July Cattle on Feed Reports. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the two reports offer a good snapshot of the current U.S. cattle industry. Nelson said a potential herd rebuild and sustained demand for beef are among the many factors influencing the cattle market. Nelson said markets will be further influenced by a...
‘Fair Sweet Fair’ experiences with Choose Iowa at the 2025 ISF
DES MOINES, Iowa (July 31, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig welcomes Iowa State Fairgoers to indulge in fun ‘Fair Sweet Fair’ experiences with Choose Iowa during the annual 11-day event slated for Aug. 7 through Aug. 17 in Des Moines. Choose Iowa, a...
Grain donations could turn harvests into hope
Hunger remains a persistent challenge across the country, affecting people of all backgrounds, incomes, and communities. It’s a crisis that cuts across urban and rural lines alike, with food pantries and assistance programs struggling to keep up as demand grows. More...
Heat dome ridge led to derecho in Upper Midwest
The Midwest heat dome is finally broken, and temperatures are now much more pleasant. The heat dome didn’t leave quietly, though, as it caused a derecho to form and tear across much of the Upper Midwest. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said a “ring of...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-31-25)
This week’s export sales were back to the great pace that we saw for a while. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said new crop corn sales set a record for this week. On the other hand, McBride said the new crop soybean sales are concerning. McBride said some...
Grassley addresses the chances of a farm bill in 2025
After Congress included farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill, talk in Washington D.C. shifted to crafting a “skinny farm bill” before the end of 2025. The scaled down version of the traditional farm bill would address the remaining ag programs that were...
Ag groups support new trade deals
A series of new trade deals between the United States and countries around the world will directly benefit America’s farmers and ranchers. Groups like the American Farm Bureau support the agreements, noting that strong and enduring agreements help connect U.S. farmers...
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More Ag News
Outside of the grains, some markets are still seeing price movements
While the grain markets don’t have very much news to trade on due to the government shutdown and a lack of data, the other commodities- including cattle- are still able to see some positive price movement. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there’s a lot of...
Farmers must have a voice in upcoming USMCA review
With the U.S.–Mexico–Canada trade deal facing a 2026 review, ag leaders say farmers must have a strong voice. Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith recently hosted USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg to hear from producers....
New research shows benefits of expanded ethanol access
If Congress passed legislation that allowed for year-round, nationwide access to E15 fuel, corn use in ethanol could increase by 50 percent at full implementation, supporting a higher market price for corn. New analysis from the National Corn Growers Association says...
Strong potential for U.S. beef and pork in UK
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair-Elect Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Boise-based Agri Beef Co., recently traveled to the United Kingdom on a trade mission with Idaho Governor Brad Little. Theiler said the group met with...
From Ames to Iowa City, everyone cheers for Iowa dairy
Fall is well known for its tailgating fun at sporting events across the country, and nowhere is that tradition stronger than right here in Iowa. Whether you are grilling up cheeseburgers outside Jack Trice Stadium or reaching for the ranch and blue cheese to go with...
