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Markets react to July USDA cattle reports
The USDA released two important reports last week that each had a direct impact on the U.S. cattle industry: the July Cattle Inventory and July Cattle on Feed Reports. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the two reports offer a good snapshot of the current U.S. cattle industry. Nelson said a potential herd rebuild and sustained demand for beef are among the many factors influencing the cattle market. Nelson said markets will be further influenced by a...
Study: U.S. producers pay more for inputs than Brazil producers
The National Corn Growers Association says a new study confirms what many farmers have suspected for years: U.S. producers are paying far more for crop inputs than their biggest global competitor, Brazil. The report found American corn farmers paid an average of 68...
Iowa Farmers Union sees growing farm stress
Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman says continued financial pressure is changing the way many farmers operate, forcing producers to delay investments that could have lasting effects on their farms and rural communities. Lehman made the remarks while serving as...
A different perspective on California Proposition 12
California Proposition 12 may be here to stay, as the Senate Farm Bill does not include any legislation to address it. Several swine industry groups, including the National Pork Producers Council, expressed their disappointment in the decision and are working to get...
Honoring family farm dogs across the country
If you think your farm dog has what it takes to be named Farm Dog of the Year, the American Farm Bureau Federation has the contest for you. For Terri Moore, vice president of communications for AFBF, the event sheds light on the importance of dogs on many family...
Boozman seeks to shift foreign food aid to USDA in farm bill
Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman says that USDA should operate foreign food aid programs, not the State Department. Boozman, says he hopes to make the switch if he can pass a new farm bill. Most U.S. foreign food aid was transferred to the State Department after...
Missouri River runoff remains well below average
Runoff into the Missouri River Basin remains well below normal, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to shorten this year's navigation season. June runoff above Sioux City, Iowa, totaled 2.9 million acre-feet, just 52 percent of average. The Corps now forecasts...
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Two wars add uncertainty to grain markets
Geopolitical tensions continue to influence grain markets as conflicts in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe create uncertainty for global energy and agricultural trade. Ag economist Frayne Olson says the latest developments in the Middle East could have indirect...
July started with heavy rain but has since dried out
This month has already been a crazy one when it comes to the weather. July started off with unrelenting rainfall across much of central Iowa, but since then it has transitioned to a warm and dry pattern. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist with Landus Cooperative,...
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....
