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PFI hosts 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) hosted the 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, earlier this week. The two-day event brought together all members of the meat industry, including producers, processors, and distributors. Amos Johnson, livestock education coordinator with PFI, said the event started off with a small tour across central Iowa. After the COVID-19 pandemic, people started to notice certain weaknesses of the meat supply chain. Johnson said the...
Seasonal farm-to-table dinner series to highlight Iowa agriculture
The Iowa Tourism Office and Choose Iowa have partnered with the Iowa Restaurant Association to launch a seasonal farm-to-table dinner series, celebrating the connection between Iowa’s agricultural diversity and its culinary talent. The first dinner will take place on...
August red meat exports show mixed results
Fueled by another outstanding performance from Mexico, August exports of U.S. pork increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). On the other hand, U.S. beef exports were below year-ago levels in...
Sharing the story of U.S. agriculture overseas
The U.S. Sustainability Alliance was formed to share the stories and values of U.S. farmers, fisherman, and foresters with European audiences. Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation President, said U.S. agriculture has a great story to share with EU officials...
IDALS takes custody of 1.3 million broiler chickens after company goes bankrupt
Some poultry producers across the upper Midwest are facing a new challenge in the last couple of days. Producers in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, which are partnered with Pure Prairie Poultry, Inc., are facing issues with getting feed for their animals. This is just...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-10-24)
The positive trend for export sales continued with another great report from the USDA. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. While flash sales have also been consistent, McBride said they’ve also been pretty minor. McBride also...
Farm to School month educates students on agriculture
October is National Farm to School month, when schools and farmers alike can celebrate the fresh foods grown by local farmers and served to local students. Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, said a recent grant...
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More Ag News
Secretary Naig recognizes conservation leaders at Iowa Agribusiness Showcase
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Secretary’s Ag Leader Award for Conservation to two individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership and made noteworthy contributions toward improving water quality throughout Iowa. Evan Brehm, a...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-12-25)
The one surprise- if you can even call it that- from the February WASDE report was the cut to some of the production numbers for Brazil and Argentina. At this point, some of the major growing areas have received too much rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride...
USTR pick Greer says US must diversify trade markets
President Trump’s United States Trade Representative pick, Jamieson Greer, says the US must become less reliant on China for its farm and other exports. China remains among the top three export markets for US farm goods, but its tariff and non-tariff barriers and...
Keeping an eye on Mississippi River water levels
Grain shippers and farmers are keeping an eye on the water levels in the Mississippi River. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, said water levels have been a consistent challenge to shipping grains for the last few years. The...
USDA data confirms agritourism is saving some family farms
The latest Census of Agriculture from the USDA, conducted in 2022, is beginning to reveal hard data on the benefits of agritourism for family farms. The numbers confirm what many farmers have experienced firsthand diversifying into agritourism is helping sustain their...
