Top Stories
Pork exports continue to build momentum
Strong global demand continues to boost U.S. pork exports, with both export value and volume running ahead of last year's pace. Through May, U.S. pork exports totaled $3.59 billion, up five percent, while export volume climbed five percent to 1.28 million metric tons. Mexico remained the top customer, purchasing $1.09 billion worth of U.S. pork. Japan posted one of the strongest gains, with export value increasing 14 percent and volume rising 19 percent. Demand also remained solid across...
NCGA unveils long-term strategy to expand corn demand
The National Corn Growers Association has released a new strategy outlining how the U.S. corn industry can build demand over the next 250 years, emphasizing the need to develop new domestic and international markets as production continues to increase. The report,...
Making every drop count
Despite drones rapidly gaining popularity among farmers as a viable alternative for spraying, they remain a relatively new technology in farming. Tyler Steinkamp, technical agronomist for Winfield United, oversaw the station showcasing how droplets travel after...
Thinking about fall diesel fuel needs
Crude oil prices are returning to levels that were familiar before the United States war with Iran, but diesel and gasoline prices are still higher. It is expected that diesel and gasoline prices will recede to normal levels, but it may take a few months, probably at...
House Ag Chair proposes sweeping change in ag labor program
House Agriculture Committee Chairman G. T. Thompson has introduced legislation aimed at expanding the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and addressing long-standing farm labor shortages. Politico said “The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026” would...
Strong hog prices mean producers can improve their operations
The swine industry is much stronger in 2026 than it has been in recent years, and that means producers are able to invest back into their farms and create more long-term benefits. Val Weis, commercial lending officer with Farm Credit Services of America, said farmers...
County fairs teach lessons beyond the ribbon
County fairs are underway across Iowa, bringing communities together to celebrate agriculture while giving thousands of young people an opportunity to showcase months of hard work and preparation. While livestock shows and exhibits often draw the most attention,...
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USDA could regain food aid programs
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman wants two major U.S. foreign food aid programs returned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Boozman says USDA is better equipped than the State Department to oversee programs built around American agriculture....
Vaccinating swine without using traditional syringes
One of the most stressful parts of raising livestock is vaccinating your herd, and that’s especially true for swine producers. The process can be risky for both the livestock and the farmhands administering the vaccines. For the past 20 years, Merck Animal Health has...
U.S. chilled beef may see opportunity in South Korea
Shipments of Australian beef into South Korea have reached more than 90% of the 2026 safeguard volume of 196,00 mt, meaning the tariff rate on Australian beef will soon jump from 5.3% to 24% for the remainder of the year. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice...
Methods to combat heat stress in cattle
With most of the country experiencing on and off instances of extreme heat in recent weeks, producers are working hard to prepare for a potentially long and hot summer for their cattle. Producers need to be preparing for ways to mitigate heat stress in their animals...
Ethanol production reaches highest level in two months
U.S. ethanol production climbed to its highest level in more than two months last week, according to the latest report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Ethanol output averaged 1.117 million barrels per day during the week ending June 26, up from 1.09...
