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US hog inventory edges lower; productivity ticks up
The U.S. hog and pig inventory totaled 73.7 million head as of June 1, down slightly from a year earlier and from March, USDA said Thursday in its quarterly report. Market hogs accounted for 67.8 million head, while 5.88 million were kept for breeding, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Despite the smaller herd, production indicators improved. Producers weaned 33.5 million pigs from March through May, slightly above last year, with an average of 11.87 pigs per...
La Nina might not be to blame for chilly temperatures
The cold temperatures we’ve seen recently in Iowa are a sure sign of one thing- winter is quickly approaching. Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist at Conduit, said this week has been and will continue to be full of chilly air. As we’ve talked about...
Watch out for holiday season fraud online
An unfortunate part of the holiday season is fraud. Sean Voskuhl, the Oklahoma State Director for the AARP, says 82 percent of U.S. consumers have experienced some type of fraud. Smartphone technology can also lead to other opportunities to be taken in by fraud. It...
USDA is increasing support of local foods for food banks
The holidays are now officially underway as we celebrate Thanksgiving today. During this time it is customary to have large gatherings of family and friends and feast upon the bounty of the county, as it were. But for some, just making it to their next meal is a...
AMVAC prepared to replace dicamba in 2025
Among the weeds that farmers can deal with, grasses can be tough to manage. New this year to AMVAC’s lineup is Zalo Herbicide, which specializes in taking care of those weeds. Wen Carter, marketing manager with AMVAC, said Zalo can enhance a glufosinate-based program....
Early harvest helping producers enjoy the fall season
With cooperative weather throughout much of the fall, harvest moved quickly and efficiently for most producers in 2024. It’s also allowing producers some much needed time for rest and relaxation at the end of one of the busiest times of the year for farmers. That is...
Pork exports to Dominican Republic surging
U.S. pork exports to the Dominican Republic could reach a record high as African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks continue across the country. Researchers are expecting “increased export opportunities” for U.S. pork and pork products to the Caribbean nation, according to...
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EPA working towards providing more clarity on WOTUS
The Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule could become clearer soon, as the EPA is now taking steps towards clarifying the WOTUS guidelines by listening to public comments. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall said farmers and ranchers are very...
USMEF producer team explores Mexico market
A team of livestock and grain producers recently traveled with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to Monterrey, Mexico, to participate in the Expo Carnes trade show and for a firsthand look at market conditions. Held every other year in Monterrey, Expo Carnes is...
Cattle inventory breakdown from March Cattle on Feed report
The March Cattle on Feed report from USDA shows another year-over-year decrease in cattle inventory in feedlots in the United States. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says that the number of placements for the month of February was 18% lower than last year....
USDA updates public on avian flu strategy
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted a stakeholder update to provide a progress report on USDA’s five-pronged strategy to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and lower egg prices. Less than a month after the plan’s rollout, USDA reports significant advancements...
So where CAN we find savings on inputs?
Last week, we talked with Gail Stratman from FMC about the importance of not cutting corners on weed control—because skimping there can cost you more in the long run. But while weed management needs to stay a top priority, there are other areas in the field where...
