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USMEF-Mexico celebrates 35 years of market development
As the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization’s Mexico office is also celebrating 35 years of promoting U.S. beef, pork, and lamb. Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF’s regional director for Mexico, Central America, and the Dominican Republic, said the 35th anniversary celebration brought longtime USMEF Mexico staff members together with Mexican importers and meat industry leaders to celebrate a fruitful partnership that has grown over the decades. While...
Lawmakers eyeing war funding package for more farm aid
President Donald Trump will seek a funding package for the war unfolding in Iran, and Republican lawmakers are debating whether to attach wildfire aid and $15 billion in tariff relief for farmers to the package. Four sources told E&E News that senior GOP...
Early weed control key for Iowa Crop yields
As farmers prepare for the 2026 growing season, tight margins and lower commodity prices are forcing growers to carefully evaluate every input decision. Weed control remains one of the most important investments early in the season, particularly during the first...
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...
AFBF President offers solutions to Senate Ag Committee
As farmers and ranchers continue to grapple with a difficult farm economy, the Senate Agriculture Committee recently held a hearing to discuss solutions. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall was one of the experts to present testimony before the...
Cattle industry hopeful for expanding trade opportunities overseas
With the current administration in Washington D.C. attempting to rework more favorable trade with international partners, producers have had to show patience. In some cases, they have had to endure short term pain in hopes of long-term gain. Kent Bacus, the executive...
Specialty crop payment rates due in April
The USDA has already allocated over $6 billion in payments under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Programs. Payment rates for specialty crops under the program are due in early April. “I believe we’ll have those payment rates in place by early next month,” Deputy Ag...
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Food rescue plays a big role in fighting food insecurity
On top of distributing food to people who need it, food banks across the country play a vital role in reducing food waste. The USDA estimates that up to 40% of the nation’s food supply goes to waste every year. Food rescue serves two main purposes- it keeps some of...
Fuel price volatility continues as war negotiations resume
For the duration of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, oil prices have been on a rollercoaster ride, And that volatility continues as negotiations resume in Pakistan. Patrick DeHaan, the senior petroleum analyst with Gasbuddy.com, said oil prices decreased last week,...
Slow moving weather systems expected to provide more precipitation
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a mix of temperatures and above normal precipitation is expected for much of country for the period of April 28th-May 4th. Rippey provides the details of the 8 to 14 day weather forecast. Rippey says parts of the Plains should...
Farm bill talks gain momentum amid pressure from farm groups
Congressional leaders are signaling renewed momentum on a long-delayed farm bill as pressure builds from agricultural groups ahead of the 2026 planting season. Lawmakers from both parties said negotiations have accelerated, though disagreements remain overspending...
Naig optimistic on Iowa Farm Act passage
The Iowa Farm Act continues to move through the State Legislature as lawmakers work to finalize the comprehensive ag policy package before the session comes to a close. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the bill has already cleared the House with strong...
