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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 leading market Mexico, as well as to Japan, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Taiwan. Through the first quarter, pork exports were 3% above last year’s pace in both volume (778,939 mt) and value ($2.17...
Secretary Naig and INREC launch nitrogen soil sampling project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) today announced a new, three-year Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project that will conduct nitrogen soil testing for farmers in targeted areas upstream from the Des...
NPPC targets Prop 12, trade, labor in D.C.
The National Pork Producers Council is taking its top policy priorities directly to Capitol Hill this week as pork producers gather in Washington, D.C. for the group’s Legislative Action Conference April 15 and 16. Rob Brenneman, president of NPPC and a pork producer...
U.S. blockade in Strait of Hormuz will have long-lasting impact
The Iran conflict has escalated further, as President Donald Trump announced a plan for a full U.S. Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Now, the energy and fertilizer industries are wondering what that will do to prices. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer...
U.S. Red Meat Symposium brings U.S. exporters and Mexican importers together
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is conducting a U.S. Red Meat Symposium, April 14-17 in Mexico City, which will allow U.S. exporters to meet face-to-face with importers and other prospective customers from throughout Mexico. This is the second edition of the...
Adjustments to the soybean balance sheets in USDA April WASDE report
The monthly WASDE reports from USDA provide a snapshot of the current state of U.S. and World Soybean Supply and Demand Estimates. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski notes the changes to the U.S. domestic use numbers in the April WASDE report. The...
Advisors urge farmers to use tax data for broader financial planning
Farm financial records can offer more than a snapshot of past performance: they can serve as a roadmap for future decisions, according to agricultural finance experts. As producers prepare tax returns for filing this week, advisors say the process provides an...
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U.S. red meat exporters connecting with buyers in Mexico
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork, and lamb met face-to-face with buyers from across Mexico last week at the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s second U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City. One of those exporters was Mark Spengler of Greater Omaha Packing Company, who...
Rollins points to demand drivers for corn
As farmers prepare to get the 2026 crop in the ground, attention is turning to both demand and costs, and how the balance between the two could shape the year ahead. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins...
Whey protein boom is redefining dairy market dynamics
The boom in demand for whey protein is reshaping the economics of the U.S. dairy industry. While it does introduce plenty of new opportunities for revenue, it also creates a few new risks for dairy producers. Fred Hall, Northwest Iowa Extension Dairy Specialist, said...
Maximizing the efficiency of nitrogen applications
Crop production in 2026 is defined by one theme: input efficiency. With tighter margins and fluctuating commodity prices, growers are looking for ways to make every input count, especially nitrogen. Cody Hornaday, a technical agronomist for Koch Agronomic Services,...
SAF industry attempting to lay foundation for long-term success
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition represents more than 50 members across the entire value chain, including farmers, producers, and industry partners. Executive Director Allison Graab says that the coalition is attempting to promote SAF to federal lawmakers while...
