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Farmers face another year of tight margins
U.S. farmers are entering another growing season with tight profit margins as lower crop prices, elevated input costs, and trade uncertainty weigh on the outlook for 2026. Corn and soybean prices remain below levels seen during recent highs, while expenses for fertilizer, fuel, seed, and machinery continue to pressure farm budgets. Economists say many producers may break even or post losses unless yields are strong or markets improve later this year. Dakota News Now reports some growers are...
New ICA CEO excited to represent Iowa’s cattle industry
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) held its annual leadership summit in Altoona again this year to gather the state’s cattle industry leaders and reflect on the past year. The ICA saw a lot of change over the past year, and that includes new leadership. As a...
Strong month for U.S. pork exports driven by Mexican demand
It was another banner month for U.S. Pork exports according to the latest data for the month of October from the USDA. Kelli Wicks, manager of international market development for the National Pork Board, says that the Mexican market continues to be a big success...
USB infrastructure investments benefit all of U.S. agriculture
The United Soybean Board (USB) engages in a number of infrastructure investments designed to keep U.S. soybean growers in a global leadership position while also benefiting transport of other commodities and agricultural inputs. USB Director Belinda Burrier said...
Iowa land value study shows four percent rise in prices
Farmland values in Iowa rose again but at a slower pace than the two previous years. The annual Iowa State University Land Value Survey found that farmland values increased 3.7 percent, or $424, to $11,835 per acre. That increase follows a larger 17 percent increase...
“Factory farming” more a buzz word than a reality
“Factory Farms” is a term that we hear far too often from those who are seemingly opposed to the conventional form of farming that we are all used to seeing. Many times, it is thrown out by those who wish to either radically change or do away with agricultural...
Grassley anticipates challenges for ’24 Farm Bill
With Republicans and Democrats firmly entrenched in their positions, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that the sides need to soften their stances and work on compromise to complete a new five-year farm bill in 2024. Grassley says that the current stalemate cannot...
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More Ag News
NPPC says House version of the farm bill meets producer needs
The lines have been drawn in Washington D.C. with Republicans asking for more “farm in the farm bill” and Democrats unwilling to budge on shifting funding to farm from food and conservation programs. In late May the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on...
Opportunities increasing for U.S. pork worldwide
One bright spot in the swine industry lately has been the growth and opportunity in the overseas markets. It’s proof that our global pork advocacy efforts are paying off. John Hinners, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations with the U.S. Meat Export Federation,...
U.S. Export Sales Report (6-6-24)
This week’s export sales were status quo once again. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn market has now seen seven straight weeks of strong sales. Status quo isn’t great for the soybeans, though, as they continue to struggle with sales. Soybeans...
HPAI detected in an O’Brien county dairy herd
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in O’Brien County, Iowa. Final...
NPPC gives update on African Swine Fever
The World Pork Expo brings topics of pork production to the forefront of producer’s minds. Obviously, while we haven’t heard as much about African Swine Fever, it is still a threat and is an integral part of making sure that the industry and its producers have all the...
