Top Stories
Growing crush capacity shifts soy demand priorities
For decades, one of the soybean industry's biggest challenges was finding new markets for soybean oil. Today, however, the conversation is changing. Growing demand from renewable diesel and other biofuel markets has helped create new opportunities for soybean oil, while expanded processing capacity is creating a new challenge: finding markets for increasing supplies of soybean meal. When I visited Washington, D.C., I spoke with Pat Giberson, a New Jersey farmer and member of the United Soybean...
Creative dishes at 2024 Food Bank of Iowa casserole contest
On the last day of the Iowa State Fair, the Food Bank of Iowa held its fourth annual “Chopped” casserole competition, sponsored by Nationwide. This year’s winner was Susan Jones of Winterset, who took top honors with her “BBQ Meatloaf, Mac, Cheese, and Corn Casserole”...
Strong potential for U.S. pork in Indonesia
With support from the National Pork Board, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair Randy Spronk recently traveled to Indonesia to see the market potential firsthand. While Indonesia is a majority Muslim country, Spronk said there is strong potential for U.S. pork...
USDA August outlook for meat production, prices, and trade
Small month over month adjustments were recorded in USDA’s August meat production and prices forecast for this year. USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says that there were insignificant adjustments made to the USDA’s August outlook for meat...
Secretary Naig announces another record year for conservation in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, working with Iowa’s 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts and farmers and landowners, again shattered a record for conservation and water quality...
CBO Rates the House version of the Farm Bill
No major piece of legislation gets approved without the blessing of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This nonpartisan office rates the financial impact of legislation over the next decade and its true cost. This is important as there are multiple versions of the...
Iowa Corn Day builds enthusiasm for the industry
Today, August 16, is Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair, and as the nation’s top corn producing state, there was plenty to talk about. Dan Keitzer, board member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, said products like ethanol are at the forefront of corn promotion...
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U.S. Export Sales Report (12-27-24)
We normally don’t expect much from the export sales report during the holidays, but today’s report was surprisingly good. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. There haven't been any flash sales recently, but...
Previously reinstated Beneficial Ownership Filing requirement on pause again
The roller coaster that is the battle over Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements is going for another loop. A previously reinstated filing requirement has once again been put on hold. Dustin Sherer, director of government affairs for the American...
Momentum building for E15 despite being left out of funding bill
National year round E15 sales were not included in the year end final stopgap government funding bill. However, the issue could still be building momentum heading into 2025. E15 sales, including in the summer driving season, were a part of the earliest stopgap bill...
Port labor dispute affecting red meat exports
U.S. agriculture is bracing for a potential work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports that could greatly disrupt American red meat exports. Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down in...
Pork producers need to understand demand as well as supply
You don’t have to spend a lot of time talking to Iowa pork producers about the supply side of the industry. We know what it takes to raise a hog and get from weening to finishing. There are a lot of feed and health programs out there, you must take your pick to find...
