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USDA releases December 2025 red meat export data
U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this follows a record-setting year in 2024. Halstrom said December beef exports were the largest in eight months, but full-year shipments fell substantially year-over-year, largely due to the ongoing trade impasse with China. Halstrom added that exports of U.S....
New biological seed treatment to provide more uniform corn emergence
Lumidapt™ is the latest addition to the Corteva Agriscience LumiGEN® corn seed treatment package. Lumidapt Valta LS is a biological seed treatment that aims to encourage germination and strong root development leading to more uniform corn emergence. Brad Van Kooten is...
Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) grants boost biodiesel access at Iowa fuel retailers
At its first meeting of the new fiscal year, the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) awarded $1,124,750 in grants to support biofuel expansion across Iowa. The funding will assist 20 retail sites in adding B11 biodiesel and 4 sites in adding E15. “We are...
USDA cuts could strain Iowa farm services
Farmers across the country rely on their local USDA offices for a range of services, including conservation programs and crop insurance support, but concerns are growing that these services could be at risk. With staffing shortages already placing strain on field...
Corn exports set marketing-year low in latest report
After many weeks of outstanding corn export sales, the numbers this week came in well below expectations and led to a negative close in the corn marketplace. Sam Trainor, AgMarket.Net hedging strategist, the corn exports set a marketing-year low. However, Trainor said...
Iowa farmers are still waiting for a new farm bill
While Congress’s One Big Beautiful Bill budget package included approximately $66 billion investment in key farm programs, there’s still work to be done. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said a key focus was on...
Grassley cites Brazil tariff threat as probably the most important
Brazil is one of the United States’ biggest competitors in agricultural trade. The nation of Brazil has surpassed the United States as the world’s largest soybean exporter and is also one of the top exporters of beef, often competing with U.S. producers. Therefore,...
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National Weather Service issues La Nina watch
The National Weather Service recently enacted a La Nina watch which means that the climatic system could develop in the fall or winter months. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that despite the watch being put in place, a La Nina weather pattern forming is not a...
Thinking smarter- and shorter- with new seed genetics
We’ll be learning a lot from this year’s corn crop, and much of that will be evident when harvest comes around. While the crops look good right now, there’s looming disease pressure that could cause some issues before the crop makes it to the bin. Clayton Robinson,...
U.S. bison industry gains access to key overseas markets
The European Commission has proposed legislation that would allow some duty-free access for U.S. bison meat into the European Union. With this legislation, the current 20% tariff on U.S. bison would be eliminated under an annual tariff rate quota (TRQ) for 3,000 mt of...
Concerns over Mississippi River levels as harvest approaches
There's continued evidence that we may once again experience some low water conditions on the lower Mississippi River this fall. The prospects for restricted barge transportation this fall may come as a surprise for many given the healthy amounts of rainfall...
Rural veterinarian shortages draw federal attention
Rural America is built on small towns where life often looks a little different from what it does in big cities. We know the trade-offs, and for the most part, we accept them. Having fewer shopping options is a small inconvenience, while limited broadband has long...
