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Drought coverage shrinking across most of the U.S
Spring and early summer rainfall has helped to shrink the drought coverage area in the United States. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the U.S. Drought Monitor looks vastly different as of July 7th compared to the drought monitor maps of April 2026. The areas of D3 and D4 (extreme and exceptional) drought categories are also shrinking, although Rippey says only some of the regions with those designations have seen improvement. The Great Plains is one of the regions that has benefited from...
Dairy economics remain solid, for now
There are numerous hurdles for U.S. ag producers to navigate in 2025. The back and forth between the United States and trade partners over tariffs, and lower commodity prices while input costs remain high. Despite the uncertainty and headwinds for the ag industry,...
All U.S. pork facilities reinstated to export to China
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is pleased to announce successful efforts to renew registrations of all 300+ U.S. pork harvesting and cold storage facilities eligible to export to China. “U.S. pork producers now have maintained access and increased...
Upgrade your equipment, maximize your profits
Farmers need every advantage they can get in times of thin profit margins, and that starts with precision planting equipment. John Deere’s advanced technology ensures accurate seed placement and optimal spacing, maximizing yield potential from the very start....
Year-round E15 is a win for everyone
One of the keys to America’s energy independence can be found in America’s farmland. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said that year-round E15 could prove to be key in helping the farm economy. E15 isn’t just a benefit for agriculture, though-...
Progress made on pork facility registrations for China
Registrations for more than 750 beef and pork facilities allowing them to export to China expired on Sunday, leaving questions about market access for U.S. red meat processors. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that the pork...
USDA: U.S. ag trade deficit continues to grow
USDA has published the latest ag trade data for the current fiscal year. USDA economist Bart Kenner details the latest export and import projections from October to January. Kenner explains what that means for the ag trade balance sheet for the 2024-2025 fiscal year...
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U.S. pork featured in new convenience snacks in Mexico
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) staff in Mexico have worked alongside processors and convenience store chains to develop new snack items featuring U.S. pork designed to be consumed at sporting events, music festivals, and even on flights. USMEF Mexico Trade...
Oil prices facing extreme volatility following U.S. bombings in Iran
On Saturday, President Trump had the U.S. military launch a series of coordinated bombings against three nuclear facilities in Iran. With this major escalation, Iran’s government is now deciding how to respond, and they have already issued a warning of “dangerous...
Pork finds wins and worries in MAHA report (Part 1)
Back in May, I spoke with Dr. Ashley Johnson, Director of Food Policy for the National Pork Producers Council, during a visit to Washington, D.C., about the importance of maintaining science-based dietary guidelines. During that conversation, she acknowledged the...
Blast furnace-like conditions will scorch Iowa this weekend
The entire state of Iowa is in a heat advisory for this weekend- and if you’re in western Iowa, the heat is going to be so extreme that going outside will be ill-advised. Apparently, Mother Nature wanted to kick off summer by turning up the heat lamp all the way to...
U.S. Export Sales Report (6-20-25)
While it was overshadowed last week, this week’s export sales were able to enter the markets with some positive news. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a great week for corn sales. Soybean sales were more interesting, as the new crop side is behind...
