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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...
Mom’s Meals continues to help Food Bank of Iowa fight food insecurity
Today, Mom’s Meals donated 4,000 shelf-stable meals to the Food Bank of Iowa to support its school pantry program. 2023 was a year of unprecedented demand for nutritious meals- in fact, 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 8 children face hunger in Iowa. Chris Choi, CEO of Mom’s...
El Nino and its effect on global weather patterns
If you’ve been keeping up with the weather reports lately, then you’ve probably heard a lot about El Nino and its impact on the current weather. Shane Hubbard, research scientist at the Space Science and Engineering Center at University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that...
NCBA policy chair lays out farm bill priorities
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Policy Division Chair Gene Copenhaver recently met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the farm bill. Copenhaver says Johnson was hopeful on the prospects for a new farm bill after the old bill expired last September...
Pork producers concerned about FDA antibiotics proposal
The National Pork Producers Council submitted comments critical of the Food and Drug Administration’s draft guidance on the duration of use of certain antibiotics in food animals. NPPC says the proposal would “deny the ability for a veterinarian to prescribe...
John Deere has new balers ready for 2024
We spend a lot of time talking about the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of crops. However, we don’t always think about the work that needs to be done to secure forage for our livestock. Balers are a huge part of the operation when you have cattle, horses, or...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-16-24)
We’re looking at a drier forecast this time in South America, particularly in Brazil. However, that’s what Brazilian farmers want, as they are trying to fully kick off harvest season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather...
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Smithfield foods closing its Altoona Iowa facility
Smithfield Foods will close its Altoona, Iowa, ham boning facility and consolidate the production volume at other locations to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing platform. Smithfield says it will provide transition assistance to the 314 employees at the...
July weather forecast for the Midwest and Corn Belt
With July a critical month for crop growth in Iowa, growers have their eyes fixed on the latest weather forecasts in hopes of timely rains for their crops. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a cooler trend is in store for parts of the Midwest and Corn Belt to begin...
Cover Crop Business Accelerator from PFI and ISA celebrates 5 years
Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association offer their Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program to support cover crop adoption in the Midwest. The program is now in its fifth year, and it helps new and emerging cover crop businesses with the seed...
Class III milk futures likely to see continued choppiness
The Class III milk market has experienced significant volatility recently, with prices fluctuating and market participants seeking clear direction. Kathleen Wolfley, an agriculture broker with Ever.Ag, provided insights into the current dynamics and future outlook for...
Independence Day means so much more than a day off
Today, as most of us enjoy a day off work, we should take the time to reflect on what the 4th of July means. 248 years ago, men from across a fledgling nation sat in a small room in Philadelphia and found a way to put aside their differences and come to an mutually...
