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Pork prices holding above the cost of production
Pork supplies are similar to a year ago, even with hogs being fed to heavier weights before being sent to market. Lee Schulz, chief economist with Ever.Ag, says demand has been steady for several quarters, and prices continue to remain above the cost of production. Schulz breaks down the economics of pork operations by size. The data comes from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Schulz says that global demand for U.S. pork has softened slightly. However, he also points out that...
Naig shares crop expectations and safety reminders
This week is Farm Safety Week, a time when farmers and the ag industry take a step back to focus on staying safe during one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year. With harvest beginning in earnest very soon across Iowa, the reminders are timely because...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-19-25)
Corn and soybean exports continue to go down two opposite paths, as corn sales are performing admirably while soybeans lag behind. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn numbers from the USDA. While this week’s numbers weren’t awful...
Thune says farm disaster aid threatened by shutdown
There is another impasse in Washington D.C. as Senate leaders blame each other for a possible October 1st government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says that Democratic leaders have opposed a partisan shutdown in the past. However, Senate Minority Leader...
Farmers report grim economic outlook
An overwhelming majority of corn growers from across the United States say that the nation’s farm economy is possibly already in a crisis or on the brink of one, according to a new survey released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). “Farmers are in a lot...
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act provides nutrition and choice
The National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs play an important role in promoting the consumption of healthy foods, including dairy. However, school meal rules that have been in effect since 2012 only allow 1% and fat-free milk options. Miquela Hanselman, Director...
GROWMARK experts preparing Iowa producers for harvest energy needs
As farmers prepare for harvest, propane supply looks solid while diesel availability could pose challenges. Jay Christie, energy development specialist for New Century FS, says the fall energy outlook offers both stability and concern depending on the fuel in...
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More Ag News
Scout from the combine seat as weed escapes show
The combines are running full throttle across Iowa, and while farmers are focusing on bringing in the crop, another reality is emerging along the field edges and in bare spots: weeds that slipped through this year’s control programs. Those escapes may look harmless...
Government shutdown adding more uncertainty to the ag markets
The agriculture industry and ag markets have been dealt a lot of uncertainty in 2025. From the tariffs of the trade war to the new world screwworm shutdown of the border between Mexico and the United States, the markets have dealt with many unknowns. Now amid the...
Low Mississippi River levels again set to disrupt harvest shipping
For the fourth straight year, water levels in the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers will soon be critically low, forcing shippers to light-load grain barges during harvest season. As barge rates get higher, those higher costs are making their way down to the farm level....
Applications are open for 2026 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship
The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) is encouraging college students who are pursuing careers in the beef industry to apply for the 2026 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship. Ten students will be selected to receive scholarships worth $1,500 each. NCBA Senior Vice...
Korean pizza chain adding U.S. pork sausage to menu
In South Korea, pizza chain Pizza Alvolo was looking to add something new to its menu. When it turned to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) for assistance, USMEF Senior Marketing Manager for Foodservice in Korea Elly Sung suggested U.S. pork sausage. After...
