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DOJ continuing investigation into alleged meatpacking antitrust violations
The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, prompting renewed calls from ranching groups for greater competition and market transparency. Federal officials said investigators are examining whether consolidation among the nation’s largest meatpackers contributed to inflated beef prices for consumers and reduced prices paid to cattle producers. The four largest beef processors control roughly 85% of the fed...
Hong Kong foodservice industry recovering as ASF concerns grow
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom just completed a market visit to Hong Kong for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Halstrom said that Hong Kong’s foodservice sector- which was decimated by limitations on...
AFBF announces new mental health resource for farming families
Mental health is not something that should be taken lightly. It's okay to not feel okay, but it's also important to make sure that you and your loved ones are doing what you can to develop and promote positive mental health. This past Sunday, the American Farm Bureau...
Budget disputes leading to farm bill frustrations
Congress has voted to extend temporary funding again to keep the government open, but in the process has likely produced more delays in writing a farm bill. That has led to frustration among members of Congress hoping to complete work on the farm bill early in 2024....
Fed’s January 2024 beige book on ag economy
The Federal Reserve Board released its January 2024 Beige Book, a summary of its commentary on the current economic conditions in each Federal Reserve District. In the sixth district around Atlanta, Low cattle supply led to higher cattle prices, but consumers are...
Will the grains continue to pull back on price levels?
We are almost one month into the new year, and we have been seeing a lot of red splotches on the grain markets. That’s not to say there has been a general slide, but it feels like there have been more low days than highs. The markets seem to keep retreating from the...
How to adjust your planter for no-till fields
When using no-till practices, the soil is obviously not as soft at the surface due to the residue from the previous crop. If you don’t adjust your planting practices to go along with your no-till practices, then your yields will take a hit. Roger Wilcox, one of the...
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More Ag News
Secretary Naig encourages farmers to utilize the hay and straw directory
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowans to take advantage of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s free, searchable online directory for hay and straw. This resource aims to facilitate connections between Iowa farmers looking...
Milk production down from May 23-May 24
The dairy industry has had more than its fair share of challenges in the past months and years. We have discussed low prices, trade issues, access to foreign markets, H5N1 disease, and more. The American dairy industry also feels the effects of contracted farms and...
Food Bank of Iowa receives donation of almost 240,000 eggs
Today, the Iowa Egg Council, Rose Acre Farms, and Hatch partnered together to make a generous donation of almost 240,000 eggs to the Food Bank of Iowa. This comes at a time when food donations are critical, as communities like Greenfield and Spencer are still...
Beef exports climb even higher while pork sits below last year’s pace
The value of U.S. beef exports topped $900 million in May, the highest since June 2023, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said exports trended higher year-over-year to...
Vilsack says clock is ticking on passage of new farm bill
United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says that everyone is on the same page with the goal of getting a new five-year farm bill done. However, he also says that time is getting tight for the completion of a new farm bill and is calling for all sides to...
