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U.S. beef cooperating with halal certifications in Muslim countries
U.S. beef exports to many Muslim majority countries must meet certain halal certification guidelines, but those requirements can vary broadly from country to country. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Director of Export Services Jim Remcheck said USMEF works closely with USDA, foreign halal authorities, U.S. halal certifiers, and U.S. processors in order to make sure USMEF members fully understand and comply with each country’s specific halal requirements. Indonesia and the United Arab...
Breaking down the USDA December Cattle on Feed Report
While the overall number of cattle in the United States remains at extremely low levels, the trend of lower cattle inventories in feedlots is continuing. That is reflected in the December USDA Cattle on Feed Report says USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell....
Six individuals appointed to NPB Board of Directors
The National Pork Board (NPB) welcomes five appointees to serve a three-year term ending in June 2028, and one appointee to serve a two-year term ending in June 2027. Congratulations to the following producer leaders: • Chad Groves, Kansas • Jessica Stevens,...
Farmers want to sell their crops, not collect payments
As Iowa farmers look back on 2025 and begin planning for the year ahead, trade remains one of the biggest issues shaping the future of agriculture. It has been a year marked by disruption, uncertainty, and tight margins, leaving many producers searching for stability...
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...
USTR taking measured approach on Nicaragua
The USTR recently announced that the U.S. will impose tariffs on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The tariff will initially be set at zero but is set to...
Buying soybeans from a trusted source, designed for local conditions
When choosing which soybeans to plant, growers want to make sure that they are buying seed from a trusted source that is just as committed to soybeans as growers are. Monty Malone, a soybean variety development lead with Xitavo says that the Xitavo soybean...
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More Ag News
Innovations advancing real Christmas tree popularity
Artificial Christmas trees have risen in popularity over the years but innovations in the real Christmas tree industry in the last decade have provided a surge in popularity for the real deal. Christmas tree grower John Tillman of Washington state says recent...
Naig says farmers use crop protection tools responsibly
As Iowa agriculture looks back on 2025 and ahead to 2026, another major topic that shaped conversation this year was the Make America Healthy Again report, often referred to as MAHA. While the report addressed many issues farmers care about, just like consumers do, it...
Lawmakers divided on whether Farm Bill can be passed in 2026
Congressional Republicans plan to revive stalled farm bill negotiations in January after failing to pass a new measure by year’s end, extending uncertainty for farmers facing high costs, inflation and trade disruptions. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T....
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-23-25)
As the calendar year wraps up, the markets are paying a lot of attention to the weather down in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the next two weeks will be critical for the crops in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is...
USMCA renegotiation is a big opportunity for U.S. agriculture
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026, and updating the agreement has the potential to benefit U.S. farmers. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said preparations are already underway....
