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Trump order protects glyphosate, phosphate production
President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order mobilizing the Defense Production Act to protect the domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The order says these two critical inputs are essential to military readiness and America’s agricultural strength, respectively. The Order finds that any interruption of the supply of either of these critical materials could leave the defense industrial base and food supply vulnerable to hostile foreign actors. Reuters...
Pork finds wins and worries in MAHA report (Part 2)
In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Ashley Johnson of the National Pork Producers Council, we looked at the pork industry's positives and concerns about the recently released MAHA report. While the science behind meat’s role in a healthy diet was reaffirmed,...
Secretary Rollins discusses efforts to boost soy exports amid tariff uncertainty
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says despite the trade uncertainty from President Trump’s on-again-off-again tariffs, USDA is working to increase US farm exports, including soybeans. When the top House Ag Democrat asked at an oversight hearing what USDA was doing to boost...
U.S. headed toward record ag trade deficit
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is widening in 2025, driven by shifting global trade dynamics and rising import demand. USDA’s Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade report provides projections for exports and imports, offering insight into current trade trends. From...
U.S. pork featured in new convenience snacks in Mexico
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) staff in Mexico have worked alongside processors and convenience store chains to develop new snack items featuring U.S. pork designed to be consumed at sporting events, music festivals, and even on flights. USMEF Mexico Trade...
Oil prices facing extreme volatility following U.S. bombings in Iran
On Saturday, President Trump had the U.S. military launch a series of coordinated bombings against three nuclear facilities in Iran. With this major escalation, Iran’s government is now deciding how to respond, and they have already issued a warning of “dangerous...
Pork finds wins and worries in MAHA report (Part 1)
Back in May, I spoke with Dr. Ashley Johnson, Director of Food Policy for the National Pork Producers Council, during a visit to Washington, D.C., about the importance of maintaining science-based dietary guidelines. During that conversation, she acknowledged the...
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Connecting consumers with dairy producers at the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is a major opportunity to connect consumers with the farmers who raise their food. One of the most in-depth experiences is in the dairy industry, as fairgoers can witness the milking process, milk a cow themselves, and watch youth connect with the...
Iowa raised “Judah” wins the 2025 ISF Big Ram Competition
Abby Willson of Shell Rock Iowa and her 7-year old Columbia ram “Judah” are the winners of the 2025 Iowa State Fair Big Ram Competition. Judah weighed in at 505 ½ pounds to win a close contest inside the sheep barn on the first day of the 2025 fair. Abby Willson is a...
USMEF comments on U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement
Japan’s lead tariff negotiator was in Washington, D.C. this past week to finalize the details of the U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement that was recently announced by the White House. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom was in...
Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show raises $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa
The 43rd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show continues to make an impact, raising $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City,...
From hard times to harvest, Iowa farms endure
Farming has never been an easy profession, with challenges that stretch far beyond the farm gate. While agriculture faces its pressures from weather, markets, and regulations, farmers have also endured the ripple effects of global events such as wars, famines, and...
