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National Weather Service issues La Nina watch
The National Weather Service recently enacted a La Nina watch which means that the climatic system could develop in the fall or winter months. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that despite the watch being put in place, a La Nina weather pattern forming is not a certainty. Other forecasters are downplaying the strength of a La Nina system, says Rippey. Historically, La Nina conditions have led to increased drought potential in the western and southern United States. If this forecast comes to...
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...
Blast furnace-like conditions will scorch Iowa this weekend
The entire state of Iowa is in a heat advisory for this weekend- and if you’re in western Iowa, the heat is going to be so extreme that going outside will be ill-advised. Apparently, Mother Nature wanted to kick off summer by turning up the heat lamp all the way to...
U.S. Export Sales Report (6-20-25)
While it was overshadowed last week, this week’s export sales were able to enter the markets with some positive news. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a great week for corn sales. Soybean sales were more interesting, as the new crop side is behind...
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More Ag News
The battle against New World Screwworm continues
Recently, U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S.-Mexico border would reopen for cattle shipments in phases after ports of entry were closed to limit the spread of New World Screwworm. This will help level out the balance between biosecurity and...
Drought coverage for crops and commodities mostly in decline
The month of June provided favorable weather conditions for crop growth for much of the Midwest including Iowa. Consistent, timely rainfall for most of Iowa with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures has set Iowa up well for the heart of the growing season. USDA...
American Butter Institute urges FDA to take action against a new “dairy-free butter” product
A new product from Country Crock labeled as “dairy-free butter” has sparked growing concern within the dairy industry. Under the current Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), butter is defined as a product made “exclusively from milk or cream, or both.” This means that...
Alongside President Trump in Iowa, Secretary Rollins calls for celebration of America 250
President Donald J. Trump held a massive celebration on the eve of Independence Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where he launched the year-long Great American State Fair in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The Great American State Fair will travel across the...
China trade impasse drags down May U.S. red meat exports
Global trade is continuing to impact cattle and hog prices in Iowa and across the entire country. Exports of U.S. pork and beef trended lower in May, due primarily to steep declines in shipments to China, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S....
