Top Stories
Cattle marketplace continues to grind lower
While the grain side of the ag marketplace has seen some price relief in recent days following the most recent USDA reports, soybean purchases by China, and weather premium being priced into the market due to heat concerns, the cattle side of the ag marketplace is a different story. The cattle markets have hit the summer doldrums according to Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.net. He says that the live cattle market has been trending lower since the end of June. McCormick says that in...
Demand for U.S. pork continues to grow in Mexico
Following a record year of $2.6 billion of pork exports to Mexico in 2024, demand for U.S. pork has continued to expand in Mexico in 2025, growing 11% in the first quarter. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Mexico Director Gerardo Rodriguez, pork...
Produce industry calls for fair farm policy
When Iowans think about trade and ag policy, especially in the context of the Farm Bill, the focus often falls on corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. But there’s a broader picture to consider. Specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, and other unique products—also...
EPA administrator tells Senate he supports year-round E-15
The administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency says the most effective way to allow year-round E-15 sales is through Congressional action. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Lee Zeldin told lawmakers, “That is the most...
NCBA applauds introduction of STOP Screwworms Act
Legislative action is being taken as the threat posed by New World screwworm continues to increase. Earlier this week, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association joined affiliate state associations to urge Congress to pass the STOP Screwworms Act. NCBA Senior Vice...
A bipartisan farm bill helps all Iowans
The farm bill carries a legacy of bipartisanship with both sides of aisle routinely working together to pass the bill that affects all Americans. However, in recent years partisan lines have been drawn in the sand with each side of the aisle unwilling to budge from...
Iowa State University researchers discover new SCN vulnerability
A study co-authored by an Iowa State University (ISU) professor has identified a new vulnerability in the signals that cyst nematodes- in particular, soybean cyst nematodes (SCN)- use to infect plant roots. This could prove to be a potent method for reducing damage...
Video
More Ag News
State Fair showcases the heart of Iowa agriculture
Yesterday, we celebrated the grit and legacy of Iowa’s Century and Heritage Farm families, but that is just one piece of the agricultural spotlight at the Iowa State Fair. Across the fairgrounds, agriculture takes center stage in ways both big and really big, from the...
Connecting consumers with dairy producers at the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is a major opportunity to connect consumers with the farmers who raise their food. One of the most in-depth experiences is in the dairy industry, as fairgoers can witness the milking process, milk a cow themselves, and watch youth connect with the...
Iowa raised “Judah” wins the 2025 ISF Big Ram Competition
Abby Willson of Shell Rock Iowa and her 7-year old Columbia ram “Judah” are the winners of the 2025 Iowa State Fair Big Ram Competition. Judah weighed in at 505 ½ pounds to win a close contest inside the sheep barn on the first day of the 2025 fair. Abby Willson is a...
USMEF comments on U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement
Japan’s lead tariff negotiator was in Washington, D.C. this past week to finalize the details of the U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement that was recently announced by the White House. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom was in...
Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show raises $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa
The 43rd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show continues to make an impact, raising $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City,...
