Top Stories
U.S. pork exports to Japan show strong rebound
Exports of U.S. pork to Japan have shown an impressive rebound in 2026. The market has faced challenges such as high energy costs and a weak yen against the U.S. dollar, but some value sectors have increasingly relied on U.S. pork loin and pork butt. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said those value sectors include ramen noodle chains and bento box companies. Halstrom says that Japan’s refusal to recognize Spain’s African swine fever regionalization has kept Spanish pork out of the...
Grassley says Prop 12 should be addressed in the farm bill
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that the 2025 farm bill should include provisions that override state-level animal welfare laws like California’s Prop 12. The law requires that pork products sold in the state meet specific housing conditions for...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-15-25)
Rain is returning to the forecasts in South America, which is great for the drier parts of Brazil and Argentina. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the forecast still has plenty of clear skies for harvest progress to continue, though. Even though safrinha...
Fourteen candidates pursue title of 72nd Iowa Dairy Princess
Fourteen young women involved within Iowa’s dairy community will compete for the title of 72nd Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate. The coronation ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 6, at 7:30p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State...
With trade in limbo, Iowa farmers wait
As economic anxiety builds across the broader economy, America’s farmers are once again among the first to feel the effects. Much like the trade battles of 2018, the agricultural sector is bearing the brunt of uncertainty. Since the beginning of the tariff era, ag...
RFS and USDA July bean and corn balance sheet
How does the recently announced Renewable Fuel Standard proposal play a role in USDA's U.S. soybean and corn supply and demand estimate in the July WASDE report? USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says the RFS proposal plays a big role in the soybean numbers from this...
Great weather for pollination in Southwest Iowa
If you look at the nearest corn field, you might see tassels at the tops of each of the stalks of corn. That means pollination is in full swing, and farmers are praying for the stars to align and allow their crops to reach their full potential yields. Southwest Iowa...
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More Ag News
Pork producers can’t forget about the dangers of African Swine Fever
The U.S. pork industry is staying vigilant when it comes to foreign animal diseases. Dr. Meredith Petersen, director of swine health for the National Pork Board, said they’re keeping an eye on multiple diseases, including African Swine Fever. Petersen said African...
EU looking to further delay deforestation regulation
The European Commission has once again begun the process to delay implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation. U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said that is good news for the U.S., as the U.S. and several EU countries...
Agribusiness retailers facing uncertainty amid trade war
The trade war between the United States and many of its top trade partners has created tariff uncertainty for agribusiness across the United States. Charles Baron is a co-founder of Farmers Business Network and says the unknowns of the trade war has created hurdles...
USDA issues second assistance payment to producers
The USDA will issue a second Emergency Commodity Assistance Program payment to eligible producers for the 2024 crop year. Of the authorized $10 billion in ECAP assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has already provided over $8 billion in payments to eligible...
From global shocks to local fields: Farmers pay the price
From war zones to shipping lanes, the ripple effects of geopolitical tension are reaching all the way back to Iowa’s farm gates. Farmers aren’t just watching world headlines for grain prices anymore—they’re also seeing how conflicts, trade disputes, and policy shifts...
