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After bird flu was found in pigs; now what?
Bird flu, or H5N1, jumped the species barrier twice this spring. It infected dairy cattle and humans. Given the physiological similarities between humans and hogs, we said it was probably no longer a matter of “if” but “when” hogs got caught up in the mix as well. That “when” finally happened about two weeks ago when the first reported cases of H5N1 were diagnosed in a hog in Oregon. Even though this hog was not in commercial operation, it still means that plans need to be put in place around...
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-12-24)
The rainy monsoon season is continuing to bring plenty of moisture to the fields in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is continuing at a good pace as well....
Ag exports dropped slightly in FY 2024
Fiscal year 2024 ended September 30th and the final fiscal numbers of the year are now available. Total exports for the year were $174.4 billion dollars, which was slightly better than expectations. However, USDA economist Bart Kenner says export values were still...
AFBF announces first Veteran Farmer of Excellence award
A new award recognizes veterans or service members for excellence in farming and positively impacting their communities. Retired Army Colonel Joe Ricker of Indiana is the first winner of the American Farm Bureau’s Veteran Farmer of Excellence Award. Ricker served 30...
What could tariffs mean for fertilizer in 2025?
We are a week removed from the Presidential election, and President-Elect Trump is already assembling his teams for the transfer of power in January. One of the things the American and Global economies will be paying close attention to is whether Trump follows through...
Cost down to raise 2025 corn crop
Looking ahead to the 2025 corn crop, one company says the cost to raise that crop is down. Farmers National Company says 2025 crop inputs are expected to see a slight reduction compared to 2024. While some farms may experience increased costs for specific reasons,...
Supporting veterans who are in need of food
On this Veterans Day, take a moment to think of the veterans who may be living in less fortunate conditions. Nearly 1.5 million veterans in the U.S. are living below the federal poverty level, and veterans living in poverty are at higher risk than nonveterans for food...
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Biologicals provide most benefit for producers with a supplemental approach
The biological market has expanded very quickly in recent years and biological companies are striving to demonstrate their value to producers as part of a supplemental crop plan. Brent Lackey is the head of biologicals product marketing with Syngenta and he says that...
Recent rains soaking deep into the soil profile
After one of the driest starts in recorded history for October, the end of the month brought plenty of rain. At this point, the weather is now continuing with a wetter pattern. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, gave an update on the latest conditions. Since...
Adding value to the U.S. pork industry through innovation
Research-backed innovation uses technology, consumer trends and cuts to add value to the product. Kevin Sheehan, director of processor engagement at the National Pork Board, said innovation has been very beneficial to the packer side of the industry. Sheehan said...
Tractor manufacturers slow production as demand declines
As farmers struggle with low crop prices, relatively high interest rates and increased input costs, fewer are making big-ticket purchases like tractors, combines and farm implements, resulting in a backlog of inventory across the globe. Machinery manufacturer AGCO has...
What would a major animal disease response look like?
We talk at length about the diseases that affect the livestock industry, whether it is H5N1, PRRS, or BRD. One of the things we have been blessed to not discuss, though, is African Swine Fever (ASF) or any other foreign animal disease (FAD) of that caliber. We know...