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July was strong for pork exports, weak for beef
July exports of U.S. pork were slightly below last year but accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Market access obstacles continued to weigh heavily on exports of U.S. beef, with the vast majority of plants still ineligible to ship to China. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said pork exports totaled 238,922 metric tons (mt), down just 1% from a year ago, while value fell 4% to $680.9 million,...
Ernst supports mental health care for Iowa farmers
U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the bipartisan Farmers First Act to support access to critical mental health resources for Iowa farmers. Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The...
Iowa producers urged to stay engaged
The pork industry is facing a complex web of challenges — from animal disease and global trade pressures to regulatory scrutiny and shifting consumer expectations. At times, it can feel like there are too many irons in the fire and not enough hands to manage them....
Iowa farmers can take a close look at strip till practices
Even though it’s been around for over 50 years, strip tillage is still a fairly new conservation practice that farmers can use. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting a field day at the end of this month to show off how strip tillage works and what...
Grassley says Prop 12 should be addressed in the farm bill
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that the 2025 farm bill should include provisions that override state-level animal welfare laws like California’s Prop 12. The law requires that pork products sold in the state meet specific housing conditions for...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-15-25)
Rain is returning to the forecasts in South America, which is great for the drier parts of Brazil and Argentina. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the forecast still has plenty of clear skies for harvest progress to continue, though. Even though safrinha...
Fourteen candidates pursue title of 72nd Iowa Dairy Princess
Fourteen young women involved within Iowa’s dairy community will compete for the title of 72nd Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate. The coronation ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 6, at 7:30p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State...
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More Ag News
Low supply keeps Iowa farmland values firm
Iowa farmland remains one of the most closely watched indicators of the state’s agricultural economy strength. Even with falling commodity prices and tighter profit margins, interest in ground across the state hasn’t let up. Farmers and landowners alike are keeping a...
Some farmers in Iowa dealing with pollination problems
We have been reading reports across the country this growing season about issues with pollination in corn. Northwest Iowa Beck’s Hybrids agronomist Eric Bartels says those issues have also been found in northwest Iowa but are not widespread. He adds that reports of...
Proper grain storage is critical during summer months
Proper grain storage is critical during these hot summer months, especially with the heat dome that is sitting over most of Iowa. Effective management of a few key factors can give farmers the flexibility to hold onto their stored grain until market conditions are the...
Recent Iowa weather conducive to tar spot development
Tar spot has been a major issue in Iowa for several years now, with this year being no different. While pressure from tar spot right now is minimal, the recent weather may cause it to ramp up in the next few weeks. Last year was an example of how detrimental tar spot...
EPA proposed registering Dicamba again
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to re-register Dicamba herbicide for over-the-top application on cotton and soybeans. Successful Farming says there will be restrictions intended to limit possible ecological harm. Dicamba has been blamed for...
