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Farmers feeling pressure from all sides
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Rep. Angie Craig says farmers across the country continue to face significant financial pressure, despite their resilience and optimism. During a press call with agricultural reporters, the Minnesota Democrat said producers are grappling with a combination of trade uncertainty, rising production costs, and shrinking profit margins that she believes are creating an increasingly difficult economic environment. Craig said conversations with farmers in...
Ag export values to drop in 2025
The value of U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2025 is expected to drop to the lowest level in five years. USDA says shipments this year are projected to be valued at $170.5 billion, up from the $170 billion in the November 2024 outlook. That would still be the...
USDA Secretary Rollins discusses farm economy and disaster aid
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was one of the featured speakers at the annual Ag Outlook Forum last week and she addressed the difficulties of the farm economy. Rollins, whose plane back to DC was grounded, addressed the 101st Ag Outlook Forum virtually and said that...
Naig confident about future of conservation farming support
After some uncertainty, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has authorized the long-delayed cost-share payments, offering temporary relief to farmers who rely on these funds. While this decision provides some reassurance, concerns remain about the future of these...
Rural Americans face higher risk of cardiovascular disease
Rural Americans are disproportionately impacted by many health conditions, as found by studies compiled by the National Grange. One of the most serious conditions is cardiovascular disease. Chris Hamp, President of the National Grange, said their work revealed the...
U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in 2024
U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in 2024, breaking previous highs in both volume and value. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in the region, said that consumer education programs- made possible through support from...
Federal lawyers file to further delay 2026 Renewable Fuel Standards
For the 2026 Renewable Fuel Standards, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was supposed to have finished its work by the start of November last year. That did not happen, even though the EPA is required by law to finalize Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes 14...
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FTC Commissioner visits Ankeny to discuss rural issues
This past Saturday, Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya met with Iowa Farmers Union members on the Griffieon Family Farm just north of Ankeny. This was one of many stops Bedoya has made as he continues his lawsuit against the Trump administration, which fired him...
SAF Coalition briefs American Carbon Alliance members
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition joined the American Carbon Alliance’s monthly membership meeting to provide an important update on federal policy developments. The Coalition shared the latest on the sustainable aviation fuel market, highlighting its growing...
Raising healthy pigs is a group effort
Raising healthy pigs doesn’t happen by accident and animal health is at the forefront of all hog producer’s minds. Following biosecurity protocols and proper management strategies are a part of everyday life when raising pigs. Dr. Seth Krantz is a director on the...
China trade obstacles impacting beef and pork exports
Due in part to a sharp decline in shipments to China, April exports of U.S. beef and pork trended lower than a year ago, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that...
Terrain report urges marketing adaptability in 2025
Farmers are facing a season in which margins could be razor-thin, leaving little room for error. With input costs high and commodity prices uncertain, 2025 is shaping up to be a year that rewards those who plan ahead. The best strategy in this kind of environment is a...
