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USDA watching western drought, Midwest summer outlook
Summer weather patterns remain difficult to predict heading into the heart of the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says current forecast models continue pointing toward ongoing drought concerns across much of the western United States. Speaking during a weather briefing in Washington, D.C., Rippey said forecasters are currently caught between fading La Niña conditions and the expected development of El Niño later this year. Rippey, who authors the weekly U.S. Drought...
Korean consumer confidence in safety of U.S. beef reaches new heights
In 2008, Korean citizens protested the return of U.S. beef to the market following a 2003 finding of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Now, according to the latest consumer perception survey, a record 70% of Korean consumers say U.S. beef is safe, and nearly 70%...
Iowa Pork Producers Association welcomes new president Matt Gent
The Iowa Pork Producers Association holds its annual meeting each year during the week of pork congress in Des Moines as the president-elect moves into the role of president. At last week’s meeting Matt Gent succeeded Trish Cook as the new president of the IPPA, with...
Food price inflation subsided in 2023
USDA’s Economic Research Service says food-at-home prices increased by five percent in 2023, much lower than the growth rate in 2022 of 11 percent. However, that was still double the historical annual average growth rate from 2003 to 2022, which was 2.5 percent. All...
State Ag Directors agree a Farm Bill must be done this year
We have talked a lot about the Farm Bill, its extension, and its outdated data that is still the basis for food policy in the United States. We have talked in-depth about the gridlock facing the Farm Bill in Congress and how the American people are hanging in the...
Carbon markets can also benefit livestock producers
Carbon markets aren’t just for grain producers to take advantage of. Livestock producers can also utilize certain grazing practices to get some extra revenue from carbon market programs. Del Ficke of Graze Master talked about the opportunities that are available to...
Now’s a great time to evaluate your farm buildings
With the new year comes the potential for lots of changes, even on the farm. Dennis Lee, farm product line manager for Morton Buildings, said it’s a great time to evaluate your farm buildings and see if you need something new. Lee said there are a lot of factors that...
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Wyffels to showcase new facility during Farm Progress Show
The 2024 Farm Progress Show will be held August 27–29, 2024, in Boone, Iowa. The show is returning to Iowa for the yearly event that is held every other year at the show grounds in Boone. Last year the show was held at the companion site in Decatur Illinois. Eric...
Soy growers promoting pork exports and driving soybean demand
The United Soybean Board recently met in Baltimore to set priorities for the upcoming year. Jim Douglas, who sits on both the United Soybean Board and the U.S. Meat Export Federation executive committee, spoke at the USB meeting about the importance of their...
Pig farmers encouraged to be U.S. SHIP certified
The U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan, or U.S. SHIP, is a producer-driven national program serving as a unified industry playbook centered around biosecurity, traceability, and sampling and testing for animal health challenges. Al Wulfekuhle, board of director with...
Beef Checkoff returns over $13 for every $1 spent
An independent analysis of the Beef Checkoff thoroughly assessed the effectiveness and additional financial benefits produced by the program’s demand-driving activities. The study, conducted by Dr. Harry Kaiser of Cornell University, had objectives to measure,...
Why our markets are under pressure.
The markets are not having a good moment as we speak. The numbers in the red today are proof of that fact. We have seen numbers that suggest that farmers are holding on to large amounts of old crop that they haven’t sold. Usually, this time of year isn’t the greatest...
