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USTR taking measured approach on Nicaragua
The USTR recently announced that the U.S. will impose tariffs on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The tariff will initially be set at zero but is set to increase to 10% in 2027 and 15% in 2028. This announcement represents a much more measured approach than some of the potential actions USTR proposed in October, which included possible suspension of Nicaragua’s CAFTA-DR benefits...
NCBA confident in ability to handle anti-animal ag groups
The livestock industry constantly faces attacks form anti-animal agriculture groups. However, Colin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO said he is confident in NCBA’s strength of handling these organizations. Using the “one bite at a time” strategy,...
Iowa Corn Growers bringing policy wish list to Commodity Classic
Yesterday, we talked with Pat Swanson of the Iowa Soybean Association about the wish list they were bringing to the policy meetings on Saturday at Commodity Classic. Today, we are looking at what is important to the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA). Jolene Riessen...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-29-24)
Export sales continued the recent trends this week, with corn trading decently as soybeans continue to limp through the year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. McBride said the export sales could use a lot of support from...
U.S. is at a record trade deficit in 2024
The USDA published its third trade outlook for fiscal year 2024. The trade outlook is unfortunately still showing the United States with a record trade deficit. Betty Resnick, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says 2024 will see lower agricultural...
Significant headwinds remain before U.S. beef herd expands
The U.S. cattle herd is at record low-levels. In fact the herd size has not been this small in many decades. Yet despite that fact, there are still significant headwinds that remain before the U.S. beef herd expands once again says Kevin Good, vice president of...
Iowa farmland sells for a near-record amount
Not one but two tracts of farmland in Sioux County, Iowa, sold for a near-record $29,600 per acre in a public auction this week. In November 2022, a sale of 73.19 acres in the same county sold for the current state record of $30,000 per acre. A spokesman for Zomer...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-11-24)
We’re still seeing the same numbers for corn and soybean exports. Corn is looking good, while soybeans continue to struggle. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. Yesterday also saw China making its first purchase of new crop...
AFBF launches Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence
The American Farm Bureau Federation is seeking applicants for the new Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, sponsored by Farm Credit. Logan Yearsley, director of member engagement for Farm Bureau, said this award recognizes those who have served our country and the ag...
Grassley critical of tariff-led trade policy
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has made comments this week critical of both the Biden administration and the Trump campaign over policies that directly impact agriculture. Grassley on Tuesday continued to criticize the Environmental Protection Agency’s...
Secretary Naig announces Sac County water quality project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has formed a partnership with Sac County and the Sac County Soil and Water Conservation District to launch the first phase of the North Raccoon...
Midwestern states on lookout for corn rootworm
The growing season in the Midwest is going on with a new set of challenges than we faced last year. Well, maybe a new set of challenges isn’t the way we should think about it, but a new combination of familiar challenges. Instead of catastrophic drought, we are seeing...
