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Naig reports encouraging crop conditions in much of Iowa
Before planters even rolled into Iowa fields this spring, there were early warnings that a hot and dry summer could pose serious challenges for the 2025 growing season. While summer is still in its first week, crop conditions across much of the state are holding up well. Recent heat and timely moisture are helping to accelerate growth and development, especially in fields that were planted later or slowed by cooler temperatures in May and early June. So far, it’s a decent start for Iowa crops....
Beef industry excited to be included in UK trade deal
Today’s trade agreement-in-principle with the United Kingdom includes market access for U.S. beef, which is a direct result of the years of advocacy groundwork laid by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus...
Keep expectations tempered for China trade deal negotiations
News broke this morning of a trade deal that was made between the U.S. and the UK. This has many people excited for the U.S.-China trade talks that are going to happen this weekend. However, Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said to not get too excited for a...
From Waste to Worth: finding value in everything produced on the farm
The Waste to Worth Conference is a collaborative event focused on finding innovative and practical solutions for managing livestock waste. Marguerite Tan, director of environmental programs at the National Pork Board, says the conference will help to further the hog...
Secretary Naig encouraged by President Trump’s trade announcement with the UK
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement today after President Donald Trump and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer jointly announced the framework for a bilateral trade deal between the two countries: “A new trade deal with a key...
Nunn introduces Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act
Over the past several years, the biofuels industry has faced a lack of consistent support, whether from past administrations or previous leadership at the EPA. This has left a critical renewable energy sector waiting for the backing it needs to drive innovation and...
Don’t get too comfortable with the current cattle prices
Both the live and feeder cattle markets are experiencing unprecedented price levels. Those levels won’t last forever, though, so it’s important to maintain a level of caution when navigating the marketplace. Ross Baldwin, hedging strategist at AgMarket.Net, said he...
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More Ag News
Warm and dry weather allowed for wide-open planting window
Iowa farmers have been treated to a mostly wide-open window for planting season this year, with warm and dry weather allowing for great working conditions. With most of the crops in the ground, we’re now hoping for some rain- and it looks like those prayers will be...
Trends in first meat export forecast for 2026
USDA has published its initial projections for the 2026 calendar year meat export forecast. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the beef export forecast is down, due to tightening beef supplies. On the other hand, pork and broiler export...
Demand for U.S. pork continues to grow in Mexico
Following a record year of $2.6 billion of pork exports to Mexico in 2024, demand for U.S. pork has continued to expand in Mexico in 2025, growing 11% in the first quarter. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Mexico Director Gerardo Rodriguez, pork...
Produce industry calls for fair farm policy
When Iowans think about trade and ag policy, especially in the context of the Farm Bill, the focus often falls on corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. But there’s a broader picture to consider. Specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, and other unique products—also...
EPA administrator tells Senate he supports year-round E-15
The administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency says the most effective way to allow year-round E-15 sales is through Congressional action. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Lee Zeldin told lawmakers, “That is the most...
