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Minor changes to South America production in March WASDE
In the March WASDE report, the USDA made some adjustments to the South American crop estimates. The changes were mostly offsetting, so overall production has not seen much of a change. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said they are waiting for the CONAB estimates to come out soon so they can make comparisons. The weather forecasts are dry right now, but McBride said rain will likely return to both countries soon. Since the crops in Argentina are past the yield determination phase, any...
Covering both genotypes of PCV2 with one vaccine
One of the most influential diseases in the swine industry is porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). What makes it tricky to handle is the fact that there are two strains to worry about: PCV2a and PCV2d, with the latter having taken over as the predominant genotype in U.S....
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in a commercial turkey flock in Hamilton County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in...
AFBF emphasizes need for economic assistance
There are still many challenges facing farm country. During a recent phone call with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall took the opportunity to discuss two important issues facing agriculture. Duvall said he had a great...
Iowa dairy farmers brace for market & labor challenges in 2026
As 2025 winds down, northwest Iowa dairy farms are taking stock of a year that brought both optimism and new pressures. Sioux County dairy producer Christina Zuiderveen says harvest conditions set a positive tone, even though the year still delivered its share of...
Iowa Pork and Fareway serve up warm meals for Giving Tuesday
Today, Fareway Stores and the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) teamed up with Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) for the ninth annual Giving Tuesday breakfast. Hundreds of warm meals were prepared and served to individuals experiencing homelessness...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-2-25)
As planting season continues in South America, the dry weather is starting to raise some eyebrows. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is still close to the...
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South American Weather and Crop Update (12-23-25)
As the calendar year wraps up, the markets are paying a lot of attention to the weather down in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the next two weeks will be critical for the crops in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is...
USMCA renegotiation is a big opportunity for U.S. agriculture
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026, and updating the agreement has the potential to benefit U.S. farmers. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said preparations are already underway....
Breaking down the USDA December Cattle on Feed Report
While the overall number of cattle in the United States remains at extremely low levels, the trend of lower cattle inventories in feedlots is continuing. That is reflected in the December USDA Cattle on Feed Report says USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell....
Six individuals appointed to NPB Board of Directors
The National Pork Board (NPB) welcomes five appointees to serve a three-year term ending in June 2028, and one appointee to serve a two-year term ending in June 2027. Congratulations to the following producer leaders: • Chad Groves, Kansas • Jessica Stevens,...
Farmers want to sell their crops, not collect payments
As Iowa farmers look back on 2025 and begin planning for the year ahead, trade remains one of the biggest issues shaping the future of agriculture. It has been a year marked by disruption, uncertainty, and tight margins, leaving many producers searching for stability...
