Top Stories
USMCA renegotiation is a big opportunity for U.S. agriculture
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026, and updating the agreement has the potential to benefit U.S. farmers. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said preparations are already underway. Salmonsen said the upcoming renegotiations are a great opportunity to improve the agreement between the three North American neighbors. Salmonsen said the three countries will meet behind the scenes during the runup to July. For...
House Ag Committee offers farm labor solution
The House Agriculture Committee laid out a roadmap to relieve labor shortages that have seriously impacted America’s farmers and ranchers. The Agriculture Labor Working Group released its final report on how to improve the H-2A guest worker program. It includes more...
Toyota receives “Friend of Corn” award
We have long been talking about the battle being fought for the future of biofuels in this country. Between the big oil companies on one side trying to lobby or litigate biofuels out of the marketplace and the current administration saying the EVs are the only option...
Final SEC climate disclosure rule a win for farmers and ranchers
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently released its final emissions reporting rule without Scope 3 requirements. The SEC’s final climate disclosure rule doesn’t contain Scope 3, which would have seriously burdened U.S. farmers and ranchers. Travis Cushman,...
Neutral March WASDE provides support to grains
A mostly neutral WASDE report left the markets feeling good to end off this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this was the first time in a while where there were virtually no changes. McBride also noted that the USDA decided to play it safe when it...
Protect your cattle from pasture parasites
Parasites will be close by when cattle are out on pasture. Good pasture management and a strategic deworming protocol can limit the chances of parasites affecting the efficiency and performance of your beef herd. Dr. D.L. Step, a professional services veterinarian...
Japanese-American fusion is top pork dish at student chef contest
The classic American meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables was fused with Japanese ingredients to win over judges at this year’s student Taste competition, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) on Monday. For the annual contest, culinary students were...
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More Ag News
Climatological answers for a sudden and rapid derecho
A seemingly random derecho- along with a few tornadoes- tore through the Midwest earlier this week, but was it even random at all? As always, there are answers to that in the observed climate patterns. Iowa’s State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said a heat dome...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-18-24)
The export sales numbers flipped the script this week, with a rather normal week in corn and some optimism in the soybeans. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest report from the USDA. The fairer market weather in the soybeans was...
Soybean prices facing downward pressure
USDA analysts are examining soybean planted acreage and other data in hopes of determining the size of the upcoming soybean crop. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski. That is less than a 1% increase over last year’s crop. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark...
Eight candidates pursue title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess
Eight young women involved within Iowa’s dairy community will compete to win the title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess. The coronation ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des...
Little flies can cause big problems
Efficient production is the key to the success of any livestock operation. It goes well beyond just the meat and dairy products that we are producing; it also is a huge factor in our herd health. As they say, “One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.” Or is it...
