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Reaching the limits of feeding cattle to heavier finishing weights
The total number of beef cattle in the United States is at the lowest level since the 1950s. To make up for the lack of beef cattle while still producing the necessary amount of beef for consumer demand, the cattle industry is feeding cattle to heavier weights. Eric Relph of Commstock Investments says that the industry might be reaching the upper limits of heavier cattle. Relph says he has been surprised by the total weight that cattle are being fed to year over year. He adds that trying to...
Signup period for Dairy Margin Coverage Program ends this week
The signup deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage Program ends on Thursday, February 26. Trey Forsyth, the vice president of government and regulatory affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation, said the DMC has been improved by multiple changes. Forsyth said...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-24-26)
With all of the uncertainty in the U.S. ag marketplace, South America may be positioned to take some global market share back. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the latest weather forecasts look mostly good for their crops. McBride said harvest progress in...
Naig highlights Iowa results as E15 access grows
As questions continue in Washington about the future of year-round E15, Iowa leaders say the state is already seeing what expanded access can do. From more fuel choices at the pump to stronger demand for corn, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says Iowa’s...
Feenstra visits central Iowa FFA students during National FFA Week
Supporting the next generation of ag professionals starts at the school level, where students can participate in FFA to learn more about what the ag industry has to offer. This week is National FFA Week, and Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra visited students in Gilbert,...
USDA releases December 2025 red meat export data
U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this follows a record-setting...
Farmer bridge assistance enrollment period begins
During the keynote speech at USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum last Friday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the applications for the farmer bridge assistance program would open ahead of schedule. The application process is now open as of Monday February 23rd, says...
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Iowa livestock producers urged to plan ahead for fly season
As warmer weather approaches, livestock producers may be looking ahead to fly season and considering management strategies that go beyond simply treating adult flies. Many experts say early planning and integrated approaches can help reduce pressure before populations...
Congress will have increased oversight over the president’s latest tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled 6–3 that IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs. This invalidates all tariffs based solely on IEEPA. Following the ruling the administration pivoted to Section 122...
U.S. farmers turn to specialty crops as profit margins tighten
Some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits. Extension specialists say interest is rising in wine grapes, specialty grains, produce and agritourism ventures....
Signup period for Dairy Margin Coverage Program ends this week
The signup deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage Program ends on Thursday, February 26. Trey Forsyth, the vice president of government and regulatory affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation, said the DMC has been improved by multiple changes. Forsyth said...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-24-26)
With all of the uncertainty in the U.S. ag marketplace, South America may be positioned to take some global market share back. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the latest weather forecasts look mostly good for their crops. McBride said harvest progress in...
