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Looking back on 2025 and preparing for 2026 in the swine industry
It’s important for pig farmers to take a close look at the balance sheet because it helps set the fundamental outlook moving forward into the coming year. Lee Schulz, chief economist with Ever.Ag, says one of the key highlights has been production, which was projected to be down about 1.2 percent. That decline has tracked closely with year-to-date numbers, and the same can be said for U.S. pork exports, which have also remained largely in line with expectations. Looking ahead, Schulz notes...
Consider flavorful pork for holiday meals
Many families are indulging in the sizzle, sear, shred, or slice of pork as they finalize their menus for the Thanksgiving celebration. Whitney Hemmer, a registered dietitian with Fareway Meat and Grocery, says pork opens the door to a variety of delicious options for...
With margins tight for farmers, precision spraying technology makes a big difference
As harvest wraps up, the average person not involved in agriculture might think farming is done for a while. However, as every farmer knows, farming might be done for this growing season, but it’s already time to start thinking about next spring. Bryce Baker of PTx...
Secretary Naig urges CARB to quickly implement E15 to benefit California drivers
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig submitted formal comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) urging swift action to make E15 available to California drivers. CARB is currently evaluating its implementation plan for allowing the sale of E15, a...
Will EPA back rural America or Big Oil?
As the push for higher ethanol blends accelerates, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says some of the most important decisions still ahead rest with the Environmental Protection Agency. She says the way EPA handles small refinery exemptions, reallocation, and long-term...
Food Bank of Iowa receives fourth annual Meat the Need donation
This morning, Fareway Stores and the Iowa Farm Bureau delivered 25,000 pounds of protein to the Food Bank of Iowa for the fourth consecutive year of the Meat the Need initiative. The donation will provide 100,000 servings of high-quality protein to Iowans who are food...
Applications open for 2025 America First Trade Promotion Program
USDA announced it is now accepting applications for the 2025 America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP). U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the program, first announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in late September, was authorized...
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More Ag News
Tariff aid expected this week or next
With farm margins under pressure, USDA is expected to roll out long anticipated tariff assistance soon. That’s Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce during his Senate confirmation hearing this year. Fordyce says USDA is adding up farm...
USTR holding public hearing on USMCA
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will hold a public hearing this week on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The hearing is in anticipation of a scheduled review of the trade pact set for next year. A keynote session of the U.S. Meat Export...
Secretary Naig welcomes applications for Choose Iowa value-added grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is accepting applications for the next round of Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants. The highly competitive cost-share grant expands access to Iowa-grown,...
Why animal movement matters in screwworm control
Last week, we focused on the on-farm threats posed by New World Screwworm and the small wounds that can serve as entry points for the fly. But the effort to keep the pest out of U.S. herds goes far beyond the pasture. There is an even bigger challenge tied to the...
Making plans to manage multiple crop threats
Every year, farmers have to deal with many different crop issues, whether it’s pests, diseases, or weeds. Some of these crop threats will even start to impact farmers all at the same time. Dave Hoy, agronomy division manager at LG Seeds, said managing multiple threats...
