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Winter soybean strategy may help pig farmers beat the summer heat
New research funded by the Soy Checkoff suggests winter feeding decisions could help pork producers minimize the seasonal drop in carcass weights during the summer months. Researchers found that increasing soybean meal levels in grow-finish diets helped pigs maintain performance during periods of heat stress. In a commercial trial, pigs fed higher soybean meal diets produced carcasses averaging 5.5 pounds heavier than those fed the operation's previous high-energy ration. It also reduced feed...
Electronic ID improves traceability for Mexican cattle imports
With cattle imports from Mexico underway again, new identification and documentation procedures are improving the ability of animal health officials to track livestock entering the United States. Electronic identification is playing a larger role in that process,...
Harvest Relief Program is a good first step, but there’s still work to do
While farmers do need and appreciate the help provided by the Harvest Fuel Relief program, a long-term solution is still needed to protect the nation’s ag industry. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said a comprehensive farm bill would go a long way in...
New market access driving interest in U.S. meat at SIAL Paris
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork and lamb met with buyers from around the globe this week at SIAL Paris, one of the world’s largest food shows. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hosted a pavilion of red meat exporters made possible through support from USDA’s...
Trends and takeaways from the October Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the October Cattle on Feed Report on Friday and the report provided us clues on the direction of the United States cattle herd. The placements number was below trade expectations; USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer provides the data. Fischer says...
USDA farm diesel relief payments expected after November election
Farmers waiting for federal assistance to offset rising diesel costs may not receive payments until after the November election. USDA's $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program is intended to help agricultural producers manage higher fuel expenses during a challenging...
IntelliGel technology targets moisture and nutrient retention
Farmers can make all the right decisions when it comes to fertilizer and crop management, but Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. Whether it's too much rain or not enough, moisture conditions can determine how effectively crops use the nutrients already in the...
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Rollins visit brings $10 million for Iowa conservation
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins brought a significant investment to Iowa during her visit to Cedar Rapids earlier this week, announcing $10 million in federal funding to expand the state's Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike...
Foreign-owned farmland acres increasing
In 2024, foreign entities controlled an increasing number of agricultural acres, and that share continues to increase. But despite those growing numbers, overall foreign-owned farmland remains a small percentage of total acreage. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-27-26)
The weather is continuing to cooperate with planting season in South America, which is giving those crops a great start to the growing season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. That weather has...
Second bridge payment program for farmers remains on the table
A second round of farmer bridge assistance payments remains a viable prospect for Iowa’s farmers according to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The payments are designed to offset the losses incurred by farmers following trade disruptions, retaliatory...
USDA announces $1.3 billion in fertilizer manufacturing projects
The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program....
