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2025 saw almost record volume and value for pork exports
2025 proved to be another strong year for U.S. pork exports, with a volume of 2.9 million metric tons. This is three percent shy of the 2024 record, but it was still the third highest on record. Value was three percent down from 2024’s record but the second highest overall at $8.4 billion. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board, said the industry continues to see sustained demand for U.S. pork in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Meat Export...
Ethanol production hits lowest level since 2020
The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output dropped to the lowest level in more than two years, while inventories were down slightly during the last week of 2022. Production dropped to an average of 844,000 barrels per day. That?s down from 963,000...
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-6-23)
There wasn?t anything extravagant in the first export sales report of 2023. Corn was slightly bearish to neutral, while soybeans had a somewhat favorable report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride provided an analysis of the latest U.S. Export Sales...
New WOTUS rule could push input costs even higher
Reaction from agriculture groups across the country to the Environmental Protection Agency?s new Waters of the U.S. rule has largely been negative.Critics say that the new rule still leaves a lot of uncertainty and unanswered questions. In addition, the new rule could...
Several trade issues surfacing for 2023
With two newly confirmed ag trade officials- Doug McKalip and Alexis Taylor- the U.S. has a significant trade agenda for 2023. Dave Salmonsen, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Government Affairs Director, said the Biden administration is engaged in several...
Farmers and others don?t get a snow day
Winter has been doing all it can to make our lives difficult fo the past few weeks. Since right before Christmas, we have been getting snow dumped on us. Folks in the north have seen more than the rest of us. I just got out of Minnesota for my Christmas visit before...
Secretary Naig announces leadership team for second term
DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 5, 2023) ? Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced employees who will serve in leadership positions at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The announcement comes as Naig begins his second term as...
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More Ag News
Margin Protection offers safety net for farmers
Farming is an inherently risky business, and, unfortunately, it sometimes feels like there’s nothing you can control. However, that makes it even more important to take the reins for things you actually can control. Doug Burns, regional vice president of insurance...
Excessive heat lowers crop condition ratings
A six percent drop in the primary crop condition rating across the state according to the USDA’s latest numbers. Weekly crop condition ratings are out from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Upper Midwest Regional Office. Agricultural Statistician Brian...
Gas lower, diesel higher, ahead of Labor Day Weekend
For the first time in over a month, the nation's average price of gasoline declined, falling 4.0 cents from a week ago to $3.78 per gallon. The national average is up 5.8 cents from a month ago but 3.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average...
Generating more sustainable soy for the future of farming
Sustainability practices are some of the biggest things we are discussing in agriculture right now. We are constantly looking at ways to do better work on protecting our soil, air, and water. Farmers are embracing new ways to do better and make sure that they are...
Secretary Naig tours innovative FFA meat science program
Looking at the other side of Iowa agriculture, the food side of things as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig tours an innovative FFA program. Midland FFA has a meat science lab and is looking at a greenhouse to create products and put them into the school lunch...
