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Iowa FFA members fight food insecurity at annual convention
Since 2012, Iowa FFA members have helped package pre-made meals to fight food insecurity during the annual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. Servant leadership is one of the core values of the FFA, which means that events and opportunities like this truly resonate with members. Scott Johnson, executive director of the Iowa FFA Association, said they are grateful to have this partnership with both Meals from the Heartland and the current project sponsor, Cargill. Johnson said Iowa FFA members...
Red meat exports mixed to start 2026
U.S. red meat exports were mixed in January, with pork exports trending higher year-over-year and beef trending lower according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were led by another outstanding performance...
Fertilizer supplies and prices are major concerns in 2026
As planting season quickly approaches, now is not the time for there to be questions about the fertilizer supply. The current problems in the Middle East could have a major impact on fertilizer supplies and prices for 2026 and possibly even 2027. Louisiana State...
U.S. ethanol exports slip to start the year
U.S. ethanol exports declined slightly at the start of 2026, reflecting shifting global fuel demand and changing trade flows in the biofuels market. Exports totaled roughly 212 million gallons in January, down about 4% from the previous month, according to industry...
Diversified markets supporting U.S. soybean demand
U.S. soybean exports wrapped up 2025 stronger than many expected, even as trade tensions created challenges in some key markets. According to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the year finished with the third-highest total soy complex exports ever...
New biomanufacturing device makes biological production more accessible
Researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) have developed a biomanufacturing device that could make it much more feasible for companies to produce biological products on a small scale. Funded by BioMADE, the Continuous Taylor Vortex Fermentor-Extractor-Separator...
What to expect in the Prospective Plantings Report
The 2026 USDA Prospective Plantings Report is scheduled for release on Tuesday March 31st. The report surveys farmer planting intentions for major crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and more. This report gives us the first real snapshot of what planted acreage...
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More Ag News
Iowa FFA will be well represented at National Ag Day
Iowa FFA President Chloe Zittergruen will be one of four National FFA members who will be representing agricultural youth across the country in Washington, D.C., for National Ag Day on Tuesday, March 24th. This year’s event theme, “Together We Grow,” honors 250 years...
USMEF bolstering Mexico’s in-home consumption of U.S. pork
Mexico’s demand for U.S. pork has soared in recent years, and 2025 was no exception. Pork exports to Mexico were record-large for the fifth consecutive year at 1.24 million metric tons, valued at $2.85 billion. But the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) continues to...
Details from the USDA March Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the March Cattle on Feed Report on Friday March 20th and with the cattle industry in a pattern of low supply and continued high demand, the report can offer clues on the industry’s direction. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell provides the numbers...
Bipartisan Senators introduce bill targeting fertilizer costs and transparency
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency in fertilizer markets and potentially lowering costs for farmers facing high input expenses. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Chuck Grassley, and Joni Ernst said the proposal would...
KXEL hosting farmer appreciation luncheon in Waterloo
A farmer appreciation luncheon taking place on Wednesday in Waterloo is designed to recognize the men and women who keep agriculture moving forward every day. The event, hosted by KXEL Radio at the National Cattle Congress Pavilion, is free and open to the public and...
