Top Stories
Swine producers taking advantage of strong economic factors
The swine industry has seen some rough times in recent years, but now things are finally feeling much better. When hog prices are good, it’s smart to look at ways to improve your operation while also keeping those profits intact. Chris Ford, vice president of swine lending at Farm Credit Services of America, said swine producers are enjoying the benefits of strong consumer demand. Ford said he has seen producers lock in their profits while still leaving room to participate in potential price...
Partisan gridlock and the election could again delay farm, ag spending bills
Partisan gridlock and fallout from the November election could again force Congress to postpone key decisions for agriculture into 2025. It’s not just the farm bill, but USDA and other spending bills are also stuck in months of political gridlock in a narrowly divided...
Coastal port strike will have a big impact on meat and livestock industries
Longshoremen at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts are set to strike when their current labor contract expires at midnight tonight. U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President for Economic Analysis Erin Borror said a shutdown will have a significant economic impact...
Veterinarian shortage reaching crisis level
Veterinarian shortages are not new. Anyone who ever needed a vet in the middle of the night will tell you that. And any rural vet called in the middle of the night will agree. What is new is the realization that it is about to get worse. “If our veterinary workforce...
Secretary Naig excited for the harvest season
Harvest is well underway here in Iowa. Farmers are hitting the fields and getting the crops out while the weather is extremely cooperative. With no real rains in the forecast and warmer temperatures; it should hopefully make for a smooth harvest season. We know when...
Cool and dry fall impacted by Hurricane Helene
It’s officially fall now, and the temperatures have chosen to represent that. It’s been mostly cooler mornings and mild temperatures across the state. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said that the month of September as a whole has been slightly warmer...
Health and wellness professionals learn about pork nutrition
The Pork Checkoff’s Pork and Partners Road Show events highlighted the nutritional benefits of consuming pork. Emily Krause, director of nutrition health and wellness initiatives for the National Pork Board, talked about the two roadshows that took place in August....
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More Ag News
Driving demand for pork now and into the future
Matt Gent is now the past President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. He moves into the role after serving as the President of the IPPA last year. Aaron Juergens has taken over as the new President of the organization for 2025. Gent tells the Iowa Agribusiness...
Cattle producers want to keep Section 199A around
Several tax bills have been recently introduced in Congress in order to protect several key tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and ensure cattle producers can keep more of their hard-earned money. In the latest episode of the National Cattlemen’s Beef...
Tips to extend the life of farm tires
Every minute in the field counts, and durable tires are the key to keeping up. Firestone Ag Tire expert Bill Durivage says tire technology and design boost durability, allowing you to cover more ground with fewer replacements and greater reliability. Proper tire tread...
Farm Bill progress: optimism meets legislative realities
With a new Congress in place and fresh leadership in the Senate, the timetable for the next Farm Bill is taking shape amid shifting political priorities. Lawmakers face the challenge of crafting bipartisan legislation that addresses agriculture, nutrition, and rural...
U.S. agriculture directly in the bullseye
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said she doesn’t believe the U.S. will impose tariffs on Saturday, February 1, as President Donald Trump had pledged. Reuters says her administration has already put a response plan in place if it becomes needed. The report says...
