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USMCA renegotiation will likely take years
According to one trade expert at a recent Brookings Institution event, the USMCA renegotiation process will likely take years and extend past the Trump administration. Visiting Fellow Christopher Sands told the crowd at the event that the required six-year review of the 2020 USMCA is about to shift into an annual review process. He says that process will continue for each additional year. The USMCA relies heavily on agriculture with $149 billion in U.S. farm and seafood exports to Canada and...
DOJ continuing investigation into alleged meatpacking antitrust violations
The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, prompting renewed calls from ranching groups for greater competition and market transparency. Federal officials said investigators are...
Western drought intensifies despite Midwest rainfall
Recent rainfall across Iowa and much of the eastern Midwest has helped improve soil moisture conditions heading into the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says many areas farther west continue battling intensifying drought conditions. Speaking...
TQA certification promotes efficient and safe animal handling
Transport Quality Assurance®, or TQA, focuses on practical, real-world skills that help handlers and drivers move pigs humanely and efficiently. Stephanie Wetter with the National Pork Board says the program is updated every three years to ensure continuous...
Grassley sows doubt on farm bill’s Senate prospects
The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the farm bill on April 30th by a 224–200 vote. With passage through the House, this is the furthest a farm bill has advanced since 2018. However, despite passage in the House, the farm bill still has a long way...
U.S. red meat exports were strong in March
March exports of U.S. pork were among the largest on record, concluding a very strong first quarter, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said increased year-over-year to...
Secretary Naig announces first round of 2026 urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the first-round of 2026 urban water quality projects, marking the start of a multi-phase investment that will bring new conservation practices to communities of all sizes across the state. These locally led...
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Iowa Farm Bureau accepting applications for “Grow Your Future” award
Iowa Farm Bureau is now accepting applications for its Grow Your Future Award, offering one young farmer $10,000 to scale their ag-related business. The competition highlights Farm Bureau members ages 18 to 35 who are building creative, value-added businesses from...
Feenstra says year-round E15 has strong bipartisan support
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives was able to pass legislation that would allow E15 to permanently be sold year-round. By unleashing ethanol production, demand for corn can increase, fuel prices can go down, and America can become more energy...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-14-26)
This week’s export sales were mostly a repeat of recent trends once again. However, there were a few notable differences. Allendale commodity broker Ben Breisch said old crop corn sales were lacking, but that market has been so strong recently that this is a minor...
Latest Cattle on Feed Report hints at minor herd rebuild
April’s USDA Cattle on Feed Report provided a breakdown of steers and heifers on feed with heifers falling to 37 percent of the total on-feed inventory. Typically, this is the initial signaling of herd rebuilding. ShayLe Stewart, a livestock market analyst with DTN,...
Year-round E15 passes House by the skin of its teeth
After years of delays, temporary waivers, court battles, and political fights, the U.S. House approved nationwide year-round E15 legislation Wednesday evening, though not without another dramatic procedural showdown along the way. The House passed the measure by a 218...
