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Iowa producers welcome meat export recovery
Although U.S. beef exports were slightly lower in volume in June, export value was higher than a year ago. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said U.S. beef exports are benefiting from strong demand in countries like Taiwan and parts of Latin America. Growing demand for less-used cuts is helping expand beyond the Chinese market and diversify U.S. beef. Halstrom said pork exports to Mexico have been low due to pseudorabies-related restrictions introduced in May. With these restrictions...
Farmers are dealing with severe financial stress
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is bringing attention to the financial plight of the country’s farmers and ranchers. A recent AFBF Market Intel Report shows that financial stress is severe and persistent across farm country. John Newton, AFBF vice president...
Naig says Vietnam is ready to buy more Iowa products
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the state’s recent trade mission to Southeast Asia revealed significant opportunities for Iowa agriculture in Vietnam. The delegation included Iowa commodity groups representing corn, soybeans, pork, and beef, along with...
USDA releases more missing export sales data
More of the missing export data from the government shutdown was released this morning. The most recent report includes data of the week ending October 9th. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers line up well with the expectations from the USDA....
Consider flavorful pork for holiday meals
Many families are indulging in the sizzle, sear, shred, or slice of pork as they finalize their menus for the Thanksgiving celebration. Whitney Hemmer, a registered dietitian with Fareway Meat and Grocery, says pork opens the door to a variety of delicious options for...
With margins tight for farmers, precision spraying technology makes a big difference
As harvest wraps up, the average person not involved in agriculture might think farming is done for a while. However, as every farmer knows, farming might be done for this growing season, but it’s already time to start thinking about next spring. Bryce Baker of PTx...
Secretary Naig urges CARB to quickly implement E15 to benefit California drivers
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig submitted formal comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) urging swift action to make E15 available to California drivers. CARB is currently evaluating its implementation plan for allowing the sale of E15, a...
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Ernst says loan delays hurt Iowa growth
Farmers and rural businesses across Iowa are facing growing challenges when it comes to accessing capital. Tight margins, lower commodity prices, and rising input costs are colliding with loan processes that many lenders say have become increasingly difficult to...
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-15-26)
As we end off a busy week of government reports, the weekly export sales came in with plenty of activity. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave a breakdown of the weekly report. China has nearly completed its obligation to purchase U.S. soybeans, so the markets...
Tariff battle heating up on Capitol Hill
The fight over President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs is heating up again on Capitol Hill, while the Supreme Court has not ruled on their legality as of Thursday. President Trump turned to tariffs again this week, threatening 25 percent duties against countries like...
Rollins says administration backs year-round E15, but Congress must act
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says year-round E15 sales have the full support of the Trump administration but it’s up to Congress to pass legislation which expands access to E15. Rollins says that President Trump’s early executive order cited year-round E15 as a...
Iowa Farm Bureau sets 2026 legislative priorities
During the 2026 legislative session, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, will address key priorities including property tax reform and the prioritization of tax policies that support farmers and the agricultural...
