Top Stories
DOJ continuing investigation into alleged meatpacking antitrust violations
The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, prompting renewed calls from ranching groups for greater competition and market transparency. Federal officials said investigators are examining whether consolidation among the nation’s largest meatpackers contributed to inflated beef prices for consumers and reduced prices paid to cattle producers. The four largest beef processors control roughly 85% of the fed...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-26-23)
Another spotty forecast will end off the year down in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the upcoming weather forecast in Brazil is pretty hit-or-miss. Meanwhile, the forecast in Argentina looks a bit drier. McBride said that planting progress...
Keeping livestock farms safe from activists in 2024
Animal rights activists have been gearing up for 2024, and the livestock industry needs to be prepared. Abby Kornegay, manager of issues and engagement for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, talks about what tactics to watch out for in the new year. “Direct Action...
A wealth of seed technologies working together for growers
The Crop Science division of Bayer announced a new strategy midway through 2023 bringing together 10 regional seed brands under the umbrella of the new enhanced Channel® seed brand. Chris Smith is an area business manager for the new Channel® seed brand and he says...
November egg production up four percent
U.S. egg production totaled 9.3 billion during November, up four percent from November 2022. Production included just over eight billion table eggs and 1.28 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.19 billion were broiler type and 91.8 million were egg type. The average...
ASA watching issues on the horizon for 2024 (Part 1)
Santa may have parked the sleigh for another year, but there are many wish lists still being worked on in the agriculture industry. As we get ready for the new year of 2024, there are many things we need to prepare for and topics that need to be discussed. Producers...
Philippines extending lower pork tariff rates through 2024
The U.S. pork industry received good news from a major trading partner as the Philippines will extend reduced tariff rates on imported pork for another year. The rate cuts, which were first implemented in 2021, were set to expire Dec. 31, but will now remain in place...
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More Ag News
USDA continues to learn about H5N1 vs HPAI
It feels like we have had a broken record going around and around during the spring and fall of the past few years. We have talked at length about High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The main difference between the two is that when the virus jumped the species...
Make sure to heavily consider yield potential before replanting
The plentiful amount of rain we have received so far this crop season has been a blessing for the drought conditions across the state. In fact, Iowa is now entirely drought-free. However, receiving so much rain in a relatively short period of time also has some...
Middle East chefs and culinary students educated on U.S. beef
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Corporate Chef Germán Navarrete is based in Mexico City, but his talents are employed throughout the world. With support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program, Chef Navarrete recently conducted training sessions for chefs and...
Getting the best deal possible as interest rate cuts remain elusive
To combat inflation, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023. As inflation has receded, expectations for rate cuts have not materialized. 2024 has been a difficult interest environment for farmers with rates steady and no...
USDA funds to support farmworkers
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico. The funds come through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program and will reach 177 unique agricultural operations and more than 11,000...
