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Latest hog and pig report shows bearish market conditions for Iowa producers
The latest USDA Hogs and Pigs Report indicates bearish market conditions. Total inventory of animals is up compared to the previous report. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the latest report contained some big numbers. On the other side of production, pigs retained for breeding decreased this quarter, down to the lowest breeding herd level in a decade. Nelson said several factors are influencing those numbers. Nelson added that, fortunately, consumers...
Grassley says fluid ag markets help U.S. producers amid China tariffs
As China and the United States engage in a tariff tug of war, China is placing levies on U.S. farm goods and making purchases from America’s competitors. However, U.S. senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says some of those losses can be offset. Grassley confirms that China...
Bayer may stop producing glyphosate
Bayer says it may stop producing glyphosate, the world’s most popular weedkiller unless it can get court protection against lawsuits blaming the herbicide for causing cancer. The Wall Street Journal says Bayer currently produces about 40 percent of the world’s...
John Deere continues to advance autonomous farming
Agricultural technology has advanced at an astonishing pace, transforming how we work the land in ways my grandfather could never have imagined. He was the last in our family to plow fields with horses, eventually trading reins for the steering wheel of a tractor, a...
Pioneer reflects on first year of Z-Series soybeans
At last year’s Commodity Classic in Houston, Pioneer announced the full launch of the Z-Series line of soybeans. One year later, they are now reflecting on the successes of the Z-Series genetics and traits. Shelby Schaa, marketing effectiveness manager with Corteva,...
Is it finally time to begin rebuilding the cattle herd?
The cattle inventory in the United States remains low with producers still asking the question, when will it be time to rebuild the herd? Mark Johnson, the extension beef cattle breeding specialist for Oklahoma State University, says there are signs the industry needs...
Legislation would expand access to meat and poultry
Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a member of the Senate Ag Committee, joined Mike Rounds (R-SD) in reintroducing the “New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act.” The bipartisan legislation would allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and...
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More Ag News
EPA releases new insecticide plan
The Environmental Protection Agency released a draft of its plan to protect endangered species while still allowing farmers the flexibility to use insecticides to protect their crops. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau...
Protecting your profits by protecting your grain
One of the often-overlooked aspects of grain storage is the amount of lost grain and grain quality loss due to insect damage. John Mays is the senior director for grain and specialty ag at Central Life Sciences and he says more growers need to be aware of grain bugs...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-1-25)
Weekly export sales are continuing to perform above the yearly averages. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said corn sales are looking very good. Soybeans were more modest, but still good. McBride said the performance of both markets is interesting given the...
State and Federal decisions shape Iowa ag
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) plays a vital role in supporting farmers across the state, promoting agricultural innovation, conservation, and economic growth. Through a range of programs and initiatives, the department helps ensure...
Halftime Bar & Grill named Iowa’s 2025 Best Burger
On the square in Pleasantville, Iowa, family, community, and Iowa’s best burger intersect at Halftime Bar & Grill. The Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are proud to name Halftime Bar & Grill—and its owners, the DeHeer family—the home...
