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USDA reports mixed red meat exports for April
USDA data release compiled by the U.S Meat Export Federation (USMEF) seemed encouraging for U.S. pork exports as a strong momentum was maintained throughout April. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom reports an 8% increase in pork exports consequent to the growth in Mexico, Japan, the Dominican Republic, Central America and the Philippines. April beef export assessment painted a less clear picture. For more information, visit usmef.org.
International buyers already preparing for next week’s election
Theoretically, in eight days it should all be over. Of course, I am talking about the current election cycle. We should soon know who our representatives will be in Washington and Des Moines, and we should hopefully know who the new President will be as well. I say...
Rain is slowly returning to relieve dry soils
As harvest continues across the state, there’s been very little relief from the excessively dry weather. In fact, the drought monitor has only continued to expand in more areas. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said that, while the weather has been good...
Getting to know pork consumers and their buying habits
The National Pork Board’s consumer segmentation study divided consumers into seven different groups based on their consumption priorities for pork. Patrick Fleming, vice president of demand development for the National Pork Board, says as the name implies, the Tasty...
A “fast and furious” harvest season
It has been a “fast and furious” corn and soybean harvest this fall, that’s according to USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey. Warm and dry conditions have given farmers good conditions for fieldwork which has led to a quick harvest pace, says Rippey. Rippey says the...
Mississippi River system levels dropping
For the third year in a row, the Mississippi River is experiencing low water levels during harvest season. In the spring and early summer, precipitation and water levels were quite robust. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, says...
Talking precision Ag with CASE-IH
The precision agriculture space is growing exponentially as the years go by. Equipment companies are constantly increasing the capacity of what we can do in the field. Technology is allowing us to reduce input costs and maximize what we can get out of our acres while...
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Farm bankruptcies up sharply in 2024
Federal courts report that 216 farm bankruptcies were filed in 2024, up 55% from 2023. All but one region had increases in Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings last year. Bankruptcy filings in territories and states outside the contiguous 48 states – designated “Other” by...
Buyers show heightened interest in U.S. beef at Gulfood Trade Show
Gulfood is one of the largest food trade shows in the world, attracting tens of thousands of prospective buyers to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Reporting from a busy USA Pavilion at Gulfood, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the...
Farmers worry about future of conservation assistance funds
Farmers across the country are on edge as the Trump Administration’s sudden spending freezes cast doubt on crucial cost-share payments they were promised. These funds, secured through contracts, are not just bureaucratic line items, they are the backbone of farm...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-21-25)
For the most part, this week marked another uneventful week of export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. Brazil still holds the discount for both corn and soybeans. However, McBride said U.S. corn sales...
Ag machinery manufacturers worried about tariffs
Many segments of U.S. agriculture are concerned about the possibility of the Trump administration implementing tariffs and the possibility of reciprocal tariffs put in place by trade partners. Curt Blades, senior vice president of the Association of Equipment...
