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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,...
Grassley lays out updated farm bill priorities
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill over the 4th of July weekend, attention now turns back once again to the farm bill. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says the farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill contains “major victories for...
Nutrien Financial helps Iowa growers navigate tight margins
As producers work through the heart of the growing season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that tighter margins and rising input costs are putting added strain on farm finances. From fuel to fertilizer, every dollar spent must stretch a little further than it did...
Iowa soil testing facility provides a behind-the-scenes look
Farmers Edge Labs in Grimes has been testing Iowa soil samples since 2018, offering a wide variety of testing methods for producers across the major growing regions of the United States. A recent lab event offered an in-depth look at the full soil testing process,...
USDA improving national security by protecting agriculture
A new USDA plan is aimed to help improve national security by protecting agriculture. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a new USDA initiative that focuses on agriculture as a key component of protecting national security. Sam Kieffer, vice president of...
Mid July weather forecast favorable for crop development in Iowa
As the calendar approaches the midway point of July the weather forecast appears to be lining up to provide near ideal conditions for a critical segment of the growing season. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the 8-to-14 day outlook for July 15th-21st shows a...
Trump administration announces expedited congressionally mandated disaster assistance for farmers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today that agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for $16 billion in assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP)....
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World’s first large-scale renewable butanediol starts production in Iowa
QORE, a joint venture between Cargill and German-based chemical company HELM, officially started the production of its newest product- QIRA- in Eddyville, Iowa. QIRA is the world's first large-scale renewable butanediol (BDO), which is made from locally grown yellow...
Grassley urges tariff flexibility with fertilizer costs climbing
Fertilizer to grain cost ratios are hitting historic levels and leading to calls for the White House to help protect farmers with flexibility on fertilizer tariffs. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says fertilizer costs are burdening Iowa’s farmers....
AFBF seeking nominations for Farm Dog of the Year
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in cooperation with Nestlé Purina PetCare, is looking for the country’s best four-legged farmhand. Terri Moore, vice president of communications for AFBF, said the Farm Dog of the Year contest is a unique opportunity to showcase...
Beef prices hit record highs in June
Ground beef prices continue hitting record-high levels. Newsweek says that’s despite still shrinking cattle herds and import restrictions set to push costs even higher. Government data says the average price of a pound of 100 percent ground beef rose to $6.12 in June,...
Iowa crops blessed so far, challenges loom
The 2025 growing season has brought a mix of promise and uncertainty to Iowa's farmlands. After years of drought conditions, this year’s plentiful rains have blessed the crops with lush growth, particularly across much of the Corn Belt. However, while the green fields...
