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Potential strike at Southern California ports could majorly impact U.S. red meat exports
Security workers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are threatening to go on strike if a contract agreement is not reached this week. While the union represents only a small portion of the overall port workforce, other unionized employees such as longshoremen and clerks will likely not cross picket lines if a work stoppage is in place. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the LA/Long Beach port complex is highly important for U.S. beef and pork...
New market access driving interest in U.S. meat at SIAL Paris
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork and lamb met with buyers from around the globe this week at SIAL Paris, one of the world’s largest food shows. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hosted a pavilion of red meat exporters made possible through support from USDA’s...
Trends and takeaways from the October Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the October Cattle on Feed Report on Friday and the report provided us clues on the direction of the United States cattle herd. The placements number was below trade expectations; USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer provides the data. Fischer says...
USDA farm diesel relief payments expected after November election
Farmers waiting for federal assistance to offset rising diesel costs may not receive payments until after the November election. USDA's $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program is intended to help agricultural producers manage higher fuel expenses during a challenging...
IntelliGel technology targets moisture and nutrient retention
Farmers can make all the right decisions when it comes to fertilizer and crop management, but Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. Whether it's too much rain or not enough, moisture conditions can determine how effectively crops use the nutrients already in the...
Dutch food safety pioneer recognized as 2026 World Food Prize Laureate
Dutch food scientist Huub Lelieveld of the Netherlands was celebrated as the 2026 World Food Prize Laureate at a high-level ceremony presided over by Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, who delivered the Laureate Proclamation, as the World Food Prize celebrated...
Farmers aren’t getting extra profits from high grocery prices
Farm income across the country is not keeping up with the rising costs of groceries. Many consumers also don’t realize that higher prices don’t lead to greater farm profits, especially since farmers are also paying for groceries themselves. Terri Moore, vice president...
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More Ag News
Foreign-owned farmland acres increasing
In 2024, foreign entities controlled an increasing number of agricultural acres, and that share continues to increase. But despite those growing numbers, overall foreign-owned farmland remains a small percentage of total acreage. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-27-26)
The weather is continuing to cooperate with planting season in South America, which is giving those crops a great start to the growing season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. That weather has...
Second bridge payment program for farmers remains on the table
A second round of farmer bridge assistance payments remains a viable prospect for Iowa’s farmers according to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The payments are designed to offset the losses incurred by farmers following trade disruptions, retaliatory...
USDA announces $1.3 billion in fertilizer manufacturing projects
The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program....
Electronic ID improves traceability for Mexican cattle imports
With cattle imports from Mexico underway again, new identification and documentation procedures are improving the ability of animal health officials to track livestock entering the United States. Electronic identification is playing a larger role in that process,...
