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Pork prices holding above the cost of production
Pork supplies are similar to a year ago, even with hogs being fed to heavier weights before being sent to market. Lee Schulz, chief economist with Ever.Ag, says demand has been steady for several quarters, and prices continue to remain above the cost of production. Schulz breaks down the economics of pork operations by size. The data comes from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Schulz says that global demand for U.S. pork has softened slightly. However, he also points out that...
SHIC continues proactive approach to H5N1 threat
H5N1 may not be grabbing the headlines every day, but it remains a major concern for livestock producers. While the virus continues circulating in both avian and dairy populations, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) says there is some positive news for pork...
Soybean demand can still grow in livestock industry
The United Soybean Board (USB) is looking at every opportunity to expand demand for U.S. soybeans. And even though the livestock industry is currently the biggest customer for soybeans, there is still plenty of room for growth. USB Chair Philip Good said the dairy...
Tariff aid expected this week or next
With farm margins under pressure, USDA is expected to roll out long anticipated tariff assistance soon. That’s Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce during his Senate confirmation hearing this year. Fordyce says USDA is adding up farm...
USTR holding public hearing on USMCA
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will hold a public hearing this week on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The hearing is in anticipation of a scheduled review of the trade pact set for next year. A keynote session of the U.S. Meat Export...
Secretary Naig welcomes applications for Choose Iowa value-added grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is accepting applications for the next round of Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants. The highly competitive cost-share grant expands access to Iowa-grown,...
Why animal movement matters in screwworm control
Last week, we focused on the on-farm threats posed by New World Screwworm and the small wounds that can serve as entry points for the fly. But the effort to keep the pest out of U.S. herds goes far beyond the pasture. There is an even bigger challenge tied to the...
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Iowa Pork and Fareway serve up warm meals for Giving Tuesday
Today, Fareway Stores and the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) teamed up with Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) for the ninth annual Giving Tuesday breakfast. Hundreds of warm meals were prepared and served to individuals experiencing homelessness...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-2-25)
As planting season continues in South America, the dry weather is starting to raise some eyebrows. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is still close to the...
Fertilizer supply and price outlook for 2026
As farmers stare at the market screen and continue to see depressed prices for their commodities, it doesn’t help that fertilizer prices remain high. But what is the outlook for supplies and prices of fertilizers in 2026? Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer at...
Secretary Naig opens sign-up window for Iowa’s crop insurance discount program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the sign-up is now open for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) annual Crop Insurance Discount Program. The innovative program offers farmers a $5 per acre premium reduction for...
SHIC continues proactive approach to H5N1 threat
H5N1 may not be grabbing the headlines every day, but it remains a major concern for livestock producers. While the virus continues circulating in both avian and dairy populations, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) says there is some positive news for pork...
