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New export markets boost Iowa agriculture
As the U.S. works to expand agricultural trade, USDA officials say diversifying export markets is becoming more important for long-term stability. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says relying too heavily on one major buyer can create added risk for producers. Lindberg says expanding into a wider range of global markets is already showing results, with strong export performance in multiple regions around the world. He says that broader approach helps...
Valent’s Rapidicil getting closer to commercialization
At last year’s Commodity Classic show in Denver, Valent U.S.A. unveiled its newest active herbicide ingredient, Rapidicil. Since then, research has shown that Rapidicil can help control a variety of weeds when paired with tank mix partners. Pat Clay, product...
Reaching the limits of feeding cattle to heavier finishing weights
The total number of beef cattle in the United States is at the lowest level since the 1950s. To make up for the lack of beef cattle while still producing the necessary amount of beef for consumer demand, the cattle industry is feeding cattle to heavier weights. Eric...
The proof of pork demand is in consumer data
The National Pork Board has a comprehensive business intelligence team analyzing data throughout the supply chain, including consumer preference, volume, value, and purchase trends. Kiersten Hafer, NPB vice president of business intelligence and innovation, said they...
Beef, most fertilizers exempt from new tariffs
A new ten percent U.S. tariff on goods from around the world took effect on Tuesday. Meatingplace said a list of tariff exemptions included beef, some fertilizers, and metals like steel and aluminum that are already under Section 232 national security tariffs. The ten...
Mental health pressure builds for Iowa farmers but help exists
As agriculture heads toward another challenging season, rural health professionals say the mental strain on farmers continues to grow. Market uncertainty, weather concerns, and long hours can weigh heavily on producers. While conversations around mental health have...
Feenstra discusses plans to make Iowa “the most ag and business-friendly state”
It’s no secret that we are navigating an exceptionally difficult farm economy. Many farmers, particularly at the smaller level, are facing tough decisions on whether or not they can even operate for another year. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra is running for...
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More Ag News
Very few changes made in March WASDE report
As expected, the USDA made very minor changes to the numbers in the March WASDE report. The U.S. ending stocks were left alone, and the crop production estimates for Brazil and Argentina were slightly adjusted. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a...
Grassley gives update on Farm Bill 2.0
The latest farm bill proposal, known as Farm Bill 2.0, recently passed through the House Ag Committee and now will move to the floor of the House for consideration. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Tuesday for his thoughts on the bill and what...
Now is the time to finalize crop insurance coverage
Farmers across the country are being reminded to finalize their crop insurance coverage for the 2026 crop season before the March 16 deadline for most spring-seeded crops. New data released by National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) shows participation in the program...
NPPC welcomes new leadership
The National Pork Producers Council elected new officers and board members to lead the organization through the 2026-2027 term. These experienced leaders will guide NPPC’s advocacy efforts, advancing policies that support growth, sustainability, and long-term...
USDA Bridge Assistance Payments already reaching farmers
Farmers across the country are already signing up for the new Farmer Bridge Assistance payments through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program was designed to provide short term financial relief to producers ahead of the 2026 growing season, and USDA...
