Top Stories
June forecast brings rain, warmth to Midwest
A warm and active weather pattern is expected to continue across much of the United States through the middle of June, bringing beneficial moisture and above-normal temperatures to many key crop-producing regions. According to USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey, the National Weather Service's 8 to 14-day outlook covering June 9 through June 15 calls for above-normal temperatures across nearly the entire country. At the same time, a series of weather disturbances is expected to deliver widespread...
Creative dishes at 2024 Food Bank of Iowa casserole contest
On the last day of the Iowa State Fair, the Food Bank of Iowa held its fourth annual “Chopped” casserole competition, sponsored by Nationwide. This year’s winner was Susan Jones of Winterset, who took top honors with her “BBQ Meatloaf, Mac, Cheese, and Corn Casserole”...
Strong potential for U.S. pork in Indonesia
With support from the National Pork Board, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair Randy Spronk recently traveled to Indonesia to see the market potential firsthand. While Indonesia is a majority Muslim country, Spronk said there is strong potential for U.S. pork...
USDA August outlook for meat production, prices, and trade
Small month over month adjustments were recorded in USDA’s August meat production and prices forecast for this year. USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says that there were insignificant adjustments made to the USDA’s August outlook for meat...
Secretary Naig announces another record year for conservation in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, working with Iowa’s 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts and farmers and landowners, again shattered a record for conservation and water quality...
CBO Rates the House version of the Farm Bill
No major piece of legislation gets approved without the blessing of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This nonpartisan office rates the financial impact of legislation over the next decade and its true cost. This is important as there are multiple versions of the...
Iowa Corn Day builds enthusiasm for the industry
Today, August 16, is Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair, and as the nation’s top corn producing state, there was plenty to talk about. Dan Keitzer, board member of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, said products like ethanol are at the forefront of corn promotion...
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More Ag News
Port labor contract dispute disrupting red meat exports
U.S. agriculture is bracing for a potential work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports that could greatly disrupt U.S. exports. Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down in mid-November over...
Secretary Naig’s Year in Review (part 1)
It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to an end on Wednesday. It feels like just yesterday that we were kicking off the new year. I know they say time flies, but this one felt like we blinked and missed it. However, as fast as this year seemed to go, it wasn’t...
U.S. Export Sales Report (12-27-24)
We normally don’t expect much from the export sales report during the holidays, but today’s report was surprisingly good. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. There haven't been any flash sales recently, but...
Previously reinstated Beneficial Ownership Filing requirement on pause again
The roller coaster that is the battle over Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements is going for another loop. A previously reinstated filing requirement has once again been put on hold. Dustin Sherer, director of government affairs for the American...
Momentum building for E15 despite being left out of funding bill
National year round E15 sales were not included in the year end final stopgap government funding bill. However, the issue could still be building momentum heading into 2025. E15 sales, including in the summer driving season, were a part of the earliest stopgap bill...
