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Swine industry remains cautious about NWS
Earlier this week, the USDA announced that there was an official detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the U.S. The pest was found in a three-week-old calf in South Texas. Since NWS is an indiscriminate parasite, all warm-blooded mammals are at risk of infestation if they have an open wound. That’s why the swine industry is remaining vigilant. Todd Marotz, vice president of the National Pork Producers Council, said they have been monitoring NWS since November of 2024. Even though there are...
Introducing new pork products in international markets
Introducing new products to overseas customers is a great way to draw attention to differentiate U.S. pork from pork of other origins. Courtney Knupp, vice president of international market development for the National Pork Board, said consumer preference research...
Wyffels growth in Iowa continues with new Ames site
Following 15 months of construction, Wyffels Hybrids officially opened their new Iowa warehouse and distribution center on July 10th, 2024. The new Iowa site is on roughly 150 acres located between Nevada and Ames near Interstate 35 and highway 30. In addition to...
U.S. beef herd rebuild could take years
The U.S. beef cow inventory has fallen to its lowest level in more than 60 years. With no significant changes on the horizon that would quickly reverse the trend, rebuilding the U.S. beef cow herd to historical norms is shaping up to be a years-long undertaking....
IA Beef Council helping present Stockman & Stewardship workshop
Part of what checkoff dollars are used for is the continuing education of producers in the cattle industry. The needs of the consumer always are evolving, as is the care that is given to the herds. That is why state organizations like the Iowa Beef Industry Council...
Creative dishes at 2024 Food Bank of Iowa casserole contest
On the last day of the Iowa State Fair, the Food Bank of Iowa held its fourth annual “Chopped” casserole competition, sponsored by Nationwide. This year’s winner was Susan Jones of Winterset, who took top honors with her “BBQ Meatloaf, Mac, Cheese, and Corn Casserole”...
Strong potential for U.S. pork in Indonesia
With support from the National Pork Board, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair Randy Spronk recently traveled to Indonesia to see the market potential firsthand. While Indonesia is a majority Muslim country, Spronk said there is strong potential for U.S. pork...
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Rapid growth for biodiesel and renewable diesel in 2024
The U.S. is on pace to surpass five billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time. That caps a 2024 that saw increased efforts from states to drive adoption, updates to technical standards, growth in soybean crush capacity, and...
Port labor contract dispute disrupting red meat exports
U.S. agriculture is bracing for a potential work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports that could greatly disrupt U.S. exports. Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down in mid-November over...
Secretary Naig’s Year in Review (part 1)
It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to an end on Wednesday. It feels like just yesterday that we were kicking off the new year. I know they say time flies, but this one felt like we blinked and missed it. However, as fast as this year seemed to go, it wasn’t...
U.S. Export Sales Report (12-27-24)
We normally don’t expect much from the export sales report during the holidays, but today’s report was surprisingly good. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. There haven't been any flash sales recently, but...
Previously reinstated Beneficial Ownership Filing requirement on pause again
The roller coaster that is the battle over Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements is going for another loop. A previously reinstated filing requirement has once again been put on hold. Dustin Sherer, director of government affairs for the American...
