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Meat demand is rising even as prices climb higher
As the summer grilling season kicks off, consumers may find higher prices at the meat counter. However, those prices might not reduce demand. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said consumers are eating more meat than ever before as pitmasters fire up their grills. Nelson said beef continues to be the centerpiece for many cookouts, but pork and poultry are catching up. Nelson said shoppers heading to the grocery store can still stretch their food dollars when...
Ecuador agrees to reciprocal trade agreement with U.S.
On March 13, Ecuador became the ninth country to sign an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States. The agreement will take some time to implement, but once in place it will remove both tariff and non-tariff barriers for U.S. beef and pork exports. U.S....
IDALS awards 30 value-added Choose Iowa grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded 30 Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to Iowa farmers, small businesses, and organizations located across the state. Grant recipients were...
Farm bill uncertainty persists as lawmakers debate key ag policies
Uncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policy issues. Members of Congress from both parties agree on the need to update farm programs, but disagreements over funding levels, nutrition...
Ernst backs Glen Smith, USDA restructuring plan
Another Iowan could soon be stepping into a key USDA leadership role, while the department also looks to reshape how it operates across the country. Senator Joni Ernst says Glen Smith is moving through the confirmation process for a USDA under secretary role, calling...
Fareway and Murphy Family Foundation team up for 6th annual food donation
This past Tuesday, the Murphy Family Foundation teamed up with Fareway for the sixth year in a row of donating Easter meal kits to the Food Bank of Iowa. Food insecurity is still more present than ever across the state, and these meal kits will provide a sense of...
Feeding the Economy report shows agriculture’s impact
Each year, the Feeding the Economy Report measures the downstream, off-the-farm economic impact of U.S. agriculture. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the report tracks three layers of impact. Munch said when you combine those...
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2026 forecast shows another strong El Niño
Many parts of rural America have seen some wild back-and-forth temperature swings combined with on-again, off-again winter weather. John Baranick, an agricultural meteorologist from DTN, said we’re seeing a lot of normal temperature swings during the transition from...
Bayer opens seed innovation center at ISU Research Park
A new facility in central Iowa will allow students, researchers, and other industry leaders to collaborate on the latest advances in seed production. Bayer recently announced the opening of the Seed Production Innovation (SPI) Innovation Center, located at the Iowa...
Clean Fuels Alliance submits comments on 45Z credit rule
Clean Fuels Alliance America has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Treasury Department regarding proposed rules for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, calling for additional clarity as the agency works to finalize the policy. The organization praised Treasury...
Heifer development is critical for cattle herd success
Cow numbers have been declining for the past few years. However, with the bullish cattle market, it may be time for producers to start retaining more females. Development of replacement heifers is best accomplished through quality management, implementing parasite...
February red meat exports contain bright spots for pork and beef
February exports of U.S. pork were slightly higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said February was a robust month for per-head export value, with pork...
