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June forecast for meat prices
In the latest livestock, dairy, and poultry outlook from USDA, the Department of Agriculture provides the updated meat price forecasts for this month. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the adjustments for cattle were slight. He says the price forecast for hogs was lowered in part because of weaker demand than expected, especially with the high prices for cattle and beef. Jekanowski says that on the poultry side, broiler prices were lowered and turkey prices were...
Secretary Naig encourages Iowans to celebrate Iowa Local Food Day
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowans to celebrate Iowa Local Food Day on Wednesday, September 25. Initiated in 2018 by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Local Food Day is held annually on the fourth Wednesday in...
MyPlate partnership touts the benefits of pork consumption
MyPlate is a visual tool used to translate the USDA’s dietary guidelines for Americans. Kristen Hicks-Roof is the director of human nutrition for the National Pork Board (NPB), and she says that MyPlate helps create a balanced plate. She says that NPB can demonstrate...
EPA still very murky on WOTUS clarity
This has been going on for more than a decade already. The back and forth between the Waters of The United States (WOTUS) from the Obama Administration, the Navigable Waters Act of the Trump Administration, and now the New WOTUS from President Biden’s EPA. Definitions...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-24-24)
The weather is still dry in South America, but relief could be coming soon. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current conditions in Brazil and Argentina. The longer-term forecast does show some monsoon rains finally returning to Brazil....
Protecting pigs and people from the flu
The industry has managed different strains of influenza for a long time, specifically H3N2 and H1N1. Influenza A (H5N1) is not in the U.S. swine herd, although it has been recently detected in livestock and humans. Dr. Heather Fowler, director of producer and public...
Grassley discusses likelihood of assistance in place of no new farm bill
As ag groups continue to rally in a push for a new five-year farm bill, the situation continues to get more complicated with time running out. This week Congress passed a stop gap funding bill which did not include any temporary farm aid. United States Senator Chuck...
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Hy-Vee donates $1.5 million to Food Bank of Iowa
Yesterday, Hy-Vee donated over $1.5 million to the Food Bank of Iowa as part of the 100 Million Meals Challenge. This donation was made possible through the customers who round up at Hy-Vee cash registers as well as Hy-Vee’s partnerships with food manufacturers. Over...
AFBF delegates set 2025 policy priorities
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s convention considered many important topics before setting the highest priority ones for this year. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said delegates discussed a variety of issues. Duvall...
Egg prices remain on the rise for consumers
Sticker shock at the grocery store has been nothing new for consumers in the 2020s. However, one product that has previously been pocketbook friendly has seen continued price increases as reflected in month-over-month, and year-over-year, comparisons. USDA economist...
Vilsack to lead World Food Prize Foundation
The World Food Prize Foundation says former Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will serve as the new CEO of the organization beginning on March 1, 2025. As the CEO, the Foundation says Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the...
Milder winter may shift H5N1 seasonal pattern
The extended fall and unusually mild start of winter delayed the southern migration of many bird species, prolonging last year’s H5N1 (avian influenza) season. With birds lingering longer than usual, the virus had an extended window to spread. As January ends on a...
