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U.S. hog inventory up one percent
The U.S. hog inventory is growing. As of December 1, there were 75.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, which is up one percent from December 2024 and slightly higher than the numbers on September 1, 2025. That’s according to the Hogs and Pigs report published by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Other key findings in the report included that of the 75.5 million hogs and pigs, 69.6 million were market hogs, while 5.95 million were kept for breeding. Between September and...
Dairy processors warn of mounting trade strain
The global trade landscape is once again weighing heavily on American agriculture. Tariffs, retaliatory fees, and stalled negotiations with key trading partners have created fresh uncertainty for farmers and agribusinesses alike. Export-dependent sectors are feeling...
Unleashing the ethanol industry with year-round E15
In a time when the farm economy is hurting, year-round E15 would provide a shot of energy into the ag industry. This would be a great boon for consumers who are looking for cheaper fuel prices as well. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said there are a couple of open...
Global USMEF teams compete at World Food Championships
Teams from the Caribbean, Mexico and Japan and supported by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) competed over the weekend in the World Food Championships in Indianapolis. Each team prepared three dishes for a tailgate-style barbecue contest featuring U.S. beef and...
Ag Secretary Rollins says shutdown holding up emergency farm aid
As the government shutdown continues farmers are yet to receive funds in emergency aid and the money will not be distributed until the shutdown ends and the government is fully operational. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins told Fox News recently that emergency aid will...
NFU responds to government efforts to lower beef prices
Following President Trump’s comments about importing beef from Argentina to lower prices for American consumers, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew reaffirmed the need to strengthen fairness and competition within the U.S. beef industry rather than rely...
Pork industry balances profit and patience
The latest USDA data is giving pork producers plenty to think about as they look toward 2026. After a year of steady profitability, markets are showing a softer tone heading into fall, but the fundamentals remain solid. The most recent Hogs and Pigs Report provided a...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-4-25)
Farmers in South America are in the early stages of their second crop season of the year. So far, the weather has been mostly favorable for planting progress. Allendale commodity broker Ben Breisch said it’s early enough that the markets aren’t too focused on the...
White House still planning billions in farmer trade aid
Three people familiar with the issue say the Trump administration still intends to roll out an initial payment of up to $12 billion for farmers struggling because of the president’s tariff policies. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said that a program similar to the...
Learning from 2025 to build a better 2026
It’s been one of those Iowa harvests that went smoothly overall, but it gave us a clear look at any shortcomings we had this year. Early planting conditions looked ideal, but as the summer wore on, humidity, storms, and disease pressures really started to challenge...
Scouting crops from inside the combine cab
As harvest continues to wrap up, farmers need to be scouting their fields for what things need to be changed for next year. Fortunately, the combine cab is the perfect mobile office to do this scouting from. Northwest Iowa AgriGold Agronomist Jeff Morey said there are...
Trade developments are encouraging, but more progress is needed with China
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced agreements on reciprocal trade with Malaysia and Cambodia and frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with Thailand and Vietnam. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said...
