Top Stories
Promoting pork for today’s tastes
Driving pork demand and swine health remain top priorities for newly-elected National Pork Board President Chad Groves. He mentioned the importance of the “Taste What Pork Can Do®” campaign in promoting pork consumption and acknowledged the industry’s commitment to the turning point in swine health. According to Groves, since its launch in May 2025, the digital-forward campaign has been a useful tool for understanding consumers. Change won’t happen overnight, but the tide is turning. Groves...
Former FSA Administrator heading back to D.C.
Missouri farmer Richard Fordyce is adding more to his wealth of ag industry experience and heading back to Washington, D.C., as the newly appointed Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. He served in the first Trump administration as the Farm Service...
FMMO rule changes: what dairy producers should know
Recent updates to the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) rules are set to bring significant changes for dairy producers nationwide. These new regulations aim to address evolving market dynamics, improve pricing structures, and enhance fairness in milk distribution....
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-21-25)
Some drier weather conditions have entered South America, which is partially responsible for the leap in market prices that we saw today. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current weather patterns. That dry weather is allowing harvest in...
Upcoming beef reports will signify market trends
While U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers have seen high prices for their livestock, that does translate to increased cost for the consumer. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said there are several upcoming reports that will tell us if...
Potential Canada and Mexico import tariffs and their impact on ag trade
As President Trump takes office for his second term, policy decisions are being made across Washington D.C. that will have wide reaching impacts in the world of agricultural trade. On Monday President Trump announced he is considering enacting 25% tariffs on Canada...
Trump names USDA Undersecretary Nominees
President-elect Donald Trump has announced a slate of undersecretary nominees for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Via social media, Trump announced that he will nominate Richard Fordyce as Agriculture undersecretary for farm production and conservation; Dudley...
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More Ag News
Don’t get too comfortable with the current cattle prices
Both the live and feeder cattle markets are experiencing unprecedented price levels. Those levels won’t last forever, though, so it’s important to maintain a level of caution when navigating the marketplace. Ross Baldwin, hedging strategist at AgMarket.Net, said he...
Examining the operating expense ratio
The operating expense ratio is a tool that farmers can utilize to determine the financial efficiency of their grain farms. Gerald Mashange, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois, explains how the operating expense ratio is calculated. Mashange says...
Vaccinating birds against HPAI poses trade and logistical challenges
The war on avian influenza may soon include vaccines for birds. However, there are challenges to a nationwide vaccination strategy. USDA is investing significant resources to fight Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, including $100 million into research and development...
Bessent signals optimism as U.S./China trade talks stall in public
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with CNBC, expressed optimism that “substantial progress” in U.S./China trade negotiations could be achieved in the coming weeks. However, the overall status of talks remains uncertain, with public statements from both...
2025 World Pork Expo right around the corner
The 2025 World Pork Expo is right around the corner, set for early June in Des Moines, Iowa, and it promises to once again bring together pork producers, industry leaders, and ag enthusiasts from across the country. National Pork Producers Council President Duane...
