Top Stories
Getting the most out of reciprocal trade agreements
Recently, the USDA hosted a trade mission to Argentina and Ecuador. While the two markets are distinct from each other, they also have many similarities. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg led the mission and said he was impressed by the opportunities in both countries. Lindberg said the goal of the mission was to help convert some of the recent reciprocal trade agreements into lasting economic benefits for the U.S. ag industry. For more information,...
Iowa Turkey celebrating new look and new menu items
The Iowa Turkey Federation Grill has been a go-to destination for hungry fairgoers for over four decades. They have been offering their traditional staples of a smoked turkey leg and a turkey tenderloin sandwich plus mixing in some new foods here and there. This year...
Iowa Dairy royalty wrapping up a year of representing the industry
With their year of service wrapping up this State Fair, we talked with the Iowa Dairy Princess and Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate about their experience. Ashley Elsbernd served as the 70th Iowa Dairy Princess this past year. We spoke to Ashley about her background in...
August WASDE keeping soybean prices under heavy pressure
An increase in bean acres along with high carryover values and yields has caused the soybean market to lurch lower again today. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said that, while the beans were poor, the corn had a positive report. The beans have not been...
Highlighting the ways in which agriculture connects everyone in Iowa
The Iowa Food and Family Project is located just inside the south doors of the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fair. The project brings together all fairgoers, from producers to consumers, to learn more about the ways in which agriculture connects...
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to host ISF ceremonies
As part of the 2024 Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will host three award ceremonies this week celebrating and commemorating Iowa agriculture. Each of the three ceremonies are open to the media and the public is invited to...
2024 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show a success
Once again, the 2024 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show, to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, went beyond the wildest dreams of those involved and raised an unofficial total of around $568,000.00 for this year’s auction following the show. Everyone...
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More Ag News
Lock in prices now for next year’s crop products
At this time of year, many farmers are making financial plans for the next crop season. It’s a good time to lock in some prices on inputs, especially since we can see some volatility in the global marketplace. Vince Restucci, market segment manager with Valent, said...
Mexico GMO corn ban found to violate USMCA
This year will end on a high note for U.S. corn growers as they take a victory in the trade dispute with Mexico. In February 2023, the Mexican government put out two decrees that dealt with corn imports from the U.S. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government...
Margins improving for many hog producers
On Monday USDA published the latest quarterly hogs and pigs report. Based on the numbers from the quarterly report, hog producers are maintaining balance between production and demand. USDA livestock analyst, Michael McConnell says that margins improved for producers...
U.S. cattle on feed down slightly
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 12 million head on December 1, 2024. That inventory level was slightly below December 1, 2023. Placements in feedlots during November...
Argentina sees more soybeans this year
We watch what happens with our neighbors in South America regarding crop production and its effects on our markets. Brazil is the largest soybean producer and exporter in the world, and Argentina is one of our largest corn competitors. Their production capabilities...
