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Naig: Trade relationships must stay strong
Iowa farmers rely on strong export markets, and two of the most important remain Canada and Mexico. But a planned trade mission to Mexico has been postponed. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says safety concerns tied to cartel activity and travel disruptions led to the decision. Naig says the delay is disappointing, especially given the importance of Mexico as a market for Iowa agriculture. He says the timing is also significant as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement faces a...
Markets reacted negatively to today’s slew of USDA reports
Several USDA reports were released today, including the January WASDE report and the Quarterly Grain Stocks. Unfortunately, most of these reports were negative for the ag marketplace. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the markets really did not like seeing...
October red meat exports show promising signs
U.S. pork exports continued to build momentum in October, led by a record performance in leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While beef exports remained lower year-over-year, USMEF...
Considerations for cattle care in extreme cold
There are several factors to keep top of mind when caring for cattle during the cold winter months, and especially during periods of extreme arctic air. The first consideration, according to Karl Hoppe of North Dakota State University Extension, is that cattle do not...
How Southern Rust changed Iowa corn plans
Just ahead of the 2025 growing season, many in the crop protection industry expected tar spot to be the primary disease concern in corn. Instead, southern rust emerged as the dominant threat across much of Iowa, forcing growers to quickly evaluate their management...
Uncertainty grows over future of U.S. farm bill legislation
Agriculture policy analysts say 2026 could mark the end of the traditional five-year U.S. farm bill era, as lawmakers struggle to produce comprehensive legislation. The most recent farm bill provisions expired in 2023 and Congress has extended them annually since,...
PFI accepting applications for another year of the Cover Crop Business Accelerator
Enrollment is open now for the Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) Cover Crop Business Accelerator program, with applications being accepted on a rolling basis. The program, which started in 2020, offers tailored business coaching, technical guidance, and financial...
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More Ag News
New technology allows for collection and direct application of pollen
Earlier this month, PowerPollen and Oxbo announced the first mechanized pollination solution for corn seed production. As we head into the 2026 growing season, this will allow seed companies to directly purchase, integrate, and scale the system. Jason Cope, co-founder...
Iowa farmers press E15 message as President Trump visits
As President Trump visits the Des Moines metro today with a focus on energy, the economy, and affordability, Iowa agriculture leaders are watching closely. While the visit brings renewed attention to biofuels, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the message from...
Weather may be more impactful than Cattle on Feed report
Last week’s Cattle on Feed Report didn’t appear to be a market mover. Kyle Bumsted, a livestock market analyst from Allendale, said the report had a very neutral tone. Bumsted said there were signs of early heifer retention late last year, but that doesn’t appear to...
Economic issues impact small communities the hardest
Declining farm income, reduced equipment sales, rising inventory and financing pressures, and trade uncertainty all create ripple effects that impact farmers and the communities they are a part of. A recent hearing with the Senate Committee on Small Business and...
U.S. beef attracts global interest at Gulfood show
With support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is promoting U.S. beef at Gulfood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Gulfood is one of the world’s largest annual food trade shows, attracting prospective buyers not only...
