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USMEF bolstering Mexico’s in-home consumption of U.S. pork
Mexico’s demand for U.S. pork has soared in recent years, and 2025 was no exception. Pork exports to Mexico were record-large for the fifth consecutive year at 1.24 million metric tons, valued at $2.85 billion. But the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) continues to identify opportunities for further growth, and a good example is the relatively low percentage of pork dishes that are prepared at home, rather than in restaurants and other foodservice outlets. Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF regional...
Callahan is the new chief agricultural negotiator
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative welcomed Julie Callahan as its new Chief Agricultural Negotiator. The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council applauded the news, saying, “She’s a seasoned professional with years of experience in sensitive trade negotiations...
USDA efforts to ensure pigs don’t fly this holiday season
USDA is working hard to ensure that pigs don’t fly this holiday season, by encouraging international travelers not to bring pork products back with them to the U.S. Fernando Lugo of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service explains. USDA is working to...
Ragland says farmers should not face stress alone
After another year of financial stress and market uncertainty, many farmers are carrying more than just the weight of tight margins. They are also carrying the emotional load that comes with making hard decisions, managing risk, and wondering what the year ahead will...
Food safety tips for holiday leftovers
While the Christmas feast is one of the best parts of the holiday festivities every year, some people might argue that the leftovers the following days are even better. However, it’s important to practice proper food safety steps in storing holiday leftovers for...
‘Product of USA’ meat labeling rule takes effect Jan. 1
A new USDA labeling rule takes effect Jan. 1, tightening standards for when meat, poultry and egg products may be identified as a product of the United States. Under the regulation, finalized in March 2024, companies may use labels such as “Product of USA” or “Made in...
Demand remains strong despite President Trump’s tariffs
Economists continue to study the impact that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are having on international trade. But one ag economist says they have not put a dent in consumers' buying patterns. Dr. Darren Hudson, Director of the International Center for Agricultural...
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More Ag News
The many benefits of prairie strips
It may sound counterintuitive, but setting aside just 10 percent of a field for wildlife habitat can benefit both the environment and that field’s productivity in the long run. Prairie strips allow farmers to keep their soil in place, filter water runoff, and add some...
FarmMind is this year’s AFBF Ag Innovation Challenge winner
Innovation is at the heart of everything farmers and ranchers do, and this year’s Ag Innovation Challenge winner is the first to bring AI, or artificial intelligence, to the fields. FarmMind, winner of the 12th annual American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, was...
Update to FSA County Committee election schedule
USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee elections were delayed in the fall by the federal government shutdown. However, FSA Administrator Bill Beam says that the voting period will begin again soon. Candidates have already been nominated and are on the ballots that...
ARC/PLC enrollment delayed until after planting
Enrollment for the USDA’s ARC and PLC Programs will not open until after the 2026 planting season. AgroLatam said the announcement comes as USDA readies a 61-page final rule implementing updates required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. Key changes include...
Behind the disease insects crept through Iowa corn
Southern rust dominated the conversation during the 2025 growing season in Iowa, forcing growers to react quickly to unexpected disease pressure. But while disease grabbed most of the attention, other problems were quietly developing in the field. Insects and weeds...
