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USDA moving to modernize farm loan programs
The USDA is making efforts to streamline the farm loan process, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle that is the current farm economy. The changes to the farm loan program come as farmers face increasingly tight profit margins and greater credit demand. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said these changes should at least help farmers access the program. While this is a great step towards modernization, Munch said increases still need to be made to farm...
Drought coverage shrinking across most of the U.S
Spring and early summer rainfall has helped to shrink the drought coverage area in the United States. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the U.S. Drought Monitor looks vastly different as of July 7th compared to the drought monitor maps of April 2026. The areas of D3...
Secretary Naig announces urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced four additional urban water quality projects, continuing the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) multi-phase investment in locally-led conservation efforts across Iowa communities. This...
May meat exports paint a complex picture
Exports of U.S. beef and pork were held back in May by key market access issues, beginning with suspensions of beef plants in China. According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom, market access issues in China and Mexico have limited U.S. beef and pork exports....
Latin America offers new export opportunities
Latin America continues to present new opportunities for U.S. ethanol exports, with established markets remaining strong and several countries expanding their use of biofuels. Marri Tejada, regional director for Latin America with the U.S. Grains and BioProducts...
July WASDE report indicates tight grain supplies
The July WASDE report was projected to be a friendly one, and it turned out to be even more friendly than expected. A significant cut to corn supplies and tightened supplies for soybeans and wheat indicate that there isn’t much leeway for weather issues in the back...
Tracking consumer demand, preferences, and habits with the Meat Demand Monitor
The Meat Demand Monitor (MDM) is a monthly research project that tracks U.S. consumer demand, preferences, attitudes, and purchasing behavior related to meat and protein products. It is led by researchers at Kansas State University and is funded in part by the Beef...
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More Ag News
Naig: Heat, timely rain shaping Iowa crops
Iowa farmers have faced a little bit of everything this summer. Extended stretches of heat have increased stress on crops and livestock, while scattered thunderstorms have brought much-needed rainfall to some areas and flooding, hail, and damaging winds to others....
TQA builds trust through consistent training
Transportation Quality Assurance® (TQA®), the pork industry’s certification program, provides science-based training for animal handlers and professional transporters who are responsible for moving pigs from farms to other facilities. Stephanie Wetter, director of...
Farm production costs mixed last year, soaring in 2026
Farm production costs were mixed last year but are up significantly in 2026. USDA Chief Economist Justin Benevidez provides the specifics from 2025. Benevidez says the largest increase occurred in livestock and poultry production. However, the latest farm expenditure...
Greater consistency and quality for consumers and retailers
Familiar USDA grading systems, such as those for beef at your local store, are becoming more technologically advanced to ensure greater consistency and quality for consumers and retailers alike. Robert Eaton at the Agricultural Marketing Service explains how...
USDA: Phased reopening for livestock in southern U.S. ports
USDA will begin reopening the southern border to cattle imports from Mexico next month after determining conditions have improved in the fight against New World screwworm. The Agriculture Department says the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry will reopen August 24 for...
