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Ernst: Senate Path tough after House Farm Bill vote
The U.S. House has passed its version of the Farm Bill, but the focus now turns to the Senate, where the path forward is expected to be more difficult. While in Washington last week, I spoke with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst just as the House was preparing to vote on procedural rules to advance the legislation. Those rules were approved shortly after our conversation, clearing the way for final passage of the bill the following day. Ernst says it is encouraging to see the House take action, but she...
Another layer of protection for grain already in the bin
High yield numbers are the goal of every farmer who wants to give themselves the best chance to turn a profit and chalk up another successful growing season. However, just because harvest is over, and grain is in the bins doesn’t mean the work of protecting that grain...
Mexico extends duty exemptions for beef, pork, and poultry imports
The Government of Mexico recently issued a decree extending zero-duty treatment of certain food imports – including pork, beef, and poultry – from all eligible suppliers through the end of 2024. Erin Borror, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) vice president of...
Millions of birds die during two years of bird flu
One-fourth of America’s bird flu losses during outbreaks beginning in early 2022 were recorded during the final quarter of 2023. USDA data says that’s when the disease staged a resurgence. Approximately 20.9 million birds were culled in infected domestic flocks from...
How much moisture help will this snow bring?
Old Man Winter is finally here after an extended vacation. He is already bringing heavy snow just off to our west, and as the day proceeds it will make its way across the state. Check local listings, but the main call from the National Weather Service is for 6-12...
Cattle and swine markets trying to stay above moving averages
The grain markets have not had the best start to the year, but the cattle markets look like they could trend upwards after putting in lows last month. AgMarket.Net Hedging Strategist Kaden Sweeney said the cattle markets have been sitting above the moving averages,...
Livestock insurance products see big increase in demand
Livestock Risk Management products are in high demand, showing “astronomical” growth, according to USDA’s Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger. Bunger tells the National Cattlemen’s Beltway Beef podcast that insurance products like Livestock Risk...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-25-24)
The weather in South America still has not changed much, but at the very least it has been predictable at this point. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current and upcoming conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said that weather...
With wet soils, keep an eye out for nitrogen loss
Recent heavy rainfall not only delayed planting in many areas, but it’s also causing concern about soils becoming susceptible to nitrogen loss. Dr. Clayton Nevins, senior agronomic scientist for Pivot Bio, says this spring is a big change from last year. Dr. Nevins...
Prioritizing water quality to raise healthy pigs
In the swine industry producers are well versed in what it takes to raise healthy pigs sustainably. However, one of the areas of raising hogs that can get overlooked is water quality. Water quality issues are often addressed only after they have become an issue....
Secretary Naig provides update on HPAI response measures in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today provided an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) state response measures, including announcing new testing requirements for dairy cattle participating in Iowa fairs and exhibitions. He also reiterated his...
Devastating flash floods hitting northern Iowa & southern Minnesota
It is hard to believe that areas of the country that were in historical droughts just a few months ago are now having everything washed away with historical flooding. Over the past few days and weeks, heavy rains have been pounding ground that has already become...
