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Pork industry is optimistic despite trade limitations from pseudorabies
Strong export sales, particularly in Latin America, are contributing about $67 in value per every hog slaughtered and accounting for more than 30% of all U.S. pork production. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said there was optimism among producers and industry leaders at World Pork Expo in Des Moines last week. Pork Expo also gave an opportunity to highlight current export restrictions placed on some offal products following the finding of...
Summer cookout prices are at an all-time high
It’s a common complaint we are hearing during this time of economic hardship; grocery prices are way too high. It wasn’t that long ago when $100 bought you a fully loaded cart, now it buys you three or four bags full if you are lucky. This has negatively affected...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-25-24)
The weather in South America still has not changed much, but at the very least it has been predictable at this point. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current and upcoming conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said that weather...
With wet soils, keep an eye out for nitrogen loss
Recent heavy rainfall not only delayed planting in many areas, but it’s also causing concern about soils becoming susceptible to nitrogen loss. Dr. Clayton Nevins, senior agronomic scientist for Pivot Bio, says this spring is a big change from last year. Dr. Nevins...
Prioritizing water quality to raise healthy pigs
In the swine industry producers are well versed in what it takes to raise healthy pigs sustainably. However, one of the areas of raising hogs that can get overlooked is water quality. Water quality issues are often addressed only after they have become an issue....
Secretary Naig provides update on HPAI response measures in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today provided an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) state response measures, including announcing new testing requirements for dairy cattle participating in Iowa fairs and exhibitions. He also reiterated his...
Devastating flash floods hitting northern Iowa & southern Minnesota
It is hard to believe that areas of the country that were in historical droughts just a few months ago are now having everything washed away with historical flooding. Over the past few days and weeks, heavy rains have been pounding ground that has already become...
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Benson Hill innovating while getting back to their roots
As harvest comes to a close, many companies are reviewing the performances of their seed products for the 2024 crop year. At Benson Hill, they’re also going back to their roots and reintroducing some of the former parts of their portfolio. Aaron Robinson, vice...
Pork industry navigating the changing regulatory environment
The political winds in Washington D.C. are shifting after the November elections, what does that mean for policy as it affects the pork industry? Lori Stevermer is the President of the National Pork Producers Council and she says that with government leadership...
Mississippi River low during harvest for third straight year
The Mississippi River is experiencing an unwelcome three-peat with low water levels during harvest season. The “Mighty Mississip” experienced low water in both 2022 and 2023 and now once again this harvest season. Charts from the U.S. Geological Survey show...
Plenty of uncertainty in ag economy heading into 2025
2024 has been challenging for farmers and the agricultural sector. Dave Widmar, economist and managing partner with Agricultural Economic Insights, said 2024 has been full of twists and turns. Widmar said there have also been changes in the overall U.S. economy. While...
What is the outlook for meat exports in 2025?
We have had a solid year, once again, for red meat exports in 2024. Many folks are working hard behind the scenes to sustain and strengthen our existing markets and putting the same efforts into cultivating new trade opportunities around the globe. The U.S. Meat...
