Top Stories
DOJ confirms probe into beef processors
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an antitrust investigation into the nation’s beef processing industry, raising concerns about market concentration and its impact on cattle producers. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said officials are examining whether consolidation among major meatpackers has contributed to higher beef prices. According to federal officials, the four largest processors—Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS USA, and National Beef Packing—control about 85 percent of the fed...
Mom’s Meals continues to help Food Bank of Iowa fight food insecurity
Today, Mom’s Meals donated 4,000 shelf-stable meals to the Food Bank of Iowa to support its school pantry program. 2023 was a year of unprecedented demand for nutritious meals- in fact, 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 8 children face hunger in Iowa. Chris Choi, CEO of Mom’s...
El Nino and its effect on global weather patterns
If you’ve been keeping up with the weather reports lately, then you’ve probably heard a lot about El Nino and its impact on the current weather. Shane Hubbard, research scientist at the Space Science and Engineering Center at University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that...
NCBA policy chair lays out farm bill priorities
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Policy Division Chair Gene Copenhaver recently met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the farm bill. Copenhaver says Johnson was hopeful on the prospects for a new farm bill after the old bill expired last September...
Pork producers concerned about FDA antibiotics proposal
The National Pork Producers Council submitted comments critical of the Food and Drug Administration’s draft guidance on the duration of use of certain antibiotics in food animals. NPPC says the proposal would “deny the ability for a veterinarian to prescribe...
John Deere has new balers ready for 2024
We spend a lot of time talking about the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of crops. However, we don’t always think about the work that needs to be done to secure forage for our livestock. Balers are a huge part of the operation when you have cattle, horses, or...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-16-24)
We’re looking at a drier forecast this time in South America, particularly in Brazil. However, that’s what Brazilian farmers want, as they are trying to fully kick off harvest season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather...
Video
More Ag News
Sec Naig wraps up Dairy Month at Thelma’s
Last month was Dairy Month, and to finish off that celebration, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig (a known dairy connoisseur) visited Thelma’s in Des Moines to tour the facility and check out their famous ice cream sandwiches. Highlighting dairy isn’t just for the month of...
USDA releases proposed FMMO updates
The USDA held a 49-day Federal Milk Marketing Order hearing and listened to hundreds of hours of testimony, which resulted in reform proposals released this week. Roger Cryan, chief economist with the American Farm Bureau, said the changes have some positives. Cryan...
Grassley says Vilsack wrong on lowering farm bill expectations
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s call for the GOP to lower its farm bill expectations is “wrong.” During a conference call with ag broadcasters this week, Senator Grassley was asked about Ag Secretary Vilsack’s call for...
Mexico to drop plan to cut yellow corn imports
The incoming government in Mexico will discard a key goal of the previous administration to reduce yellow corn imports and achieve self-sufficiency in yellow corn production. Investing Dot Com says the incoming ag minister, Julio Berdegue, says Mexico will focus on...
Pork industry expanding story around the globe
It takes a lot of hard work to market our goods around the globe. American farmers have become so good at what they do to produce food to feed the world that we have more of it than we can consume. The global marketplace is a fickle thing because we aren't the only...
