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NPPC optimistic about the future of the swine industry
The spotlights were shining bright on Des Moines from June 3-4 for the 2026 World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The highly anticipated event did not disappoint with attendees pouring out from all over the country. The two-day long event provided attendees with the opportunity to connect, learn and more importantly assess the current state of the industry while doing some prospective analysis. Brian Humphreys, CEO of National Pork Producers Council highlighted the meaning of this...
EPA still very murky on WOTUS clarity
This has been going on for more than a decade already. The back and forth between the Waters of The United States (WOTUS) from the Obama Administration, the Navigable Waters Act of the Trump Administration, and now the New WOTUS from President Biden’s EPA. Definitions...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-24-24)
The weather is still dry in South America, but relief could be coming soon. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current conditions in Brazil and Argentina. The longer-term forecast does show some monsoon rains finally returning to Brazil....
Protecting pigs and people from the flu
The industry has managed different strains of influenza for a long time, specifically H3N2 and H1N1. Influenza A (H5N1) is not in the U.S. swine herd, although it has been recently detected in livestock and humans. Dr. Heather Fowler, director of producer and public...
Grassley discusses likelihood of assistance in place of no new farm bill
As ag groups continue to rally in a push for a new five-year farm bill, the situation continues to get more complicated with time running out. This week Congress passed a stop gap funding bill which did not include any temporary farm aid. United States Senator Chuck...
New cover crop payment program online database from IAWA
The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance built an online tool to browse, filter, and compare cover crop payment programs all in one place. It allows you - farmers, landowners, and conservation professionals - to narrow down options and pick the best program for your...
IRFA offering biodiesel rebate for farmers
As harvest begins to ramp up, there are many things you have to think about as you keep the operation moving. With all the trucks, tractors, and combines that are moving around, one input links them all together: fuel. Diesel fuel is a hot commodity right now as farms...
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Finishing off an exceptionally dry and cold January
Recently, a large arctic air mass has made its way through much of the United States. This is what caused the subzero temperatures in Iowa, and it’s also what brought snow down to the Southeast. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said that, fortunately, this...
U.S. share of China’s soybean market dropped in 2024
China’s soybean imports from the United States dropped five percent in 2024 from the previous year. Reuters says, “U.S. soybean imports were replaced in the Chinese market by shipments from Brazil and Argentina as fears of a renewed trade war between China and the...
Naig highlights IDALS 2025 legislative wish list
The Iowa Legislative Session is officially underway, bringing new opportunities to address key issues across the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has outlined its priorities for this year, focusing on initiatives to support Iowa’s...
Despite political turmoil in South Korea, U.S. red meat demand remains strong
Embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested and indicted after briefly imposing martial law in December. Yoon also faces an impeachment trial that will determine if he is formally removed from office. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice...
Breakthrough BRD vaccine could save U.S. cattle industry $1 billion in costs
U.S. cattle supplies have been at historically low levels. This is made even worse by bovine respiratory disease (BRD), which kills an estimated 8 million calves every year. Fortunately, a professor from Louisiana State University has been working on a solution to the...
