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2025 saw almost record volume and value for pork exports
2025 proved to be another strong year for U.S. pork exports, with a volume of 2.9 million metric tons. This is three percent shy of the 2024 record, but it was still the third highest on record. Value was three percent down from 2024’s record but the second highest overall at $8.4 billion. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board, said the industry continues to see sustained demand for U.S. pork in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Meat Export...
Beef advocacy program wants new applicants
The Beef Checkoff-funded Trailblazers program is asking for applications for its next class of beef advocates. Trailblazers, developed by the National Cattlemen?s Beef Association, takes advocacy to the next level by giving participants the tools and training they...
Early growth stage protection critical for maintaining yields
Early season protection for seeds and seedlings is a big factor in maximizing yield potential. Dale Ireland, Technical Product Lead - Seed care Syngenta Crop Protection, says that early growth plant health is vital to maximizing yields.There are several risks for...
Increased ethanol blend rates lower fuel costs for drivers
A new Energy Information Administration report clearly shows higher ethanol blends helped moderate fuel prices after the Ukraine invasion. The report also says the ethanol blend rates hit a record summer average of 10.5 percent. ?Fuel ethanol?s price discount to...
Iowa producer elected as new USMEF chair
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference wrapped up last Friday in Oklahoma City with the election of a new officer team. Dean Meyer, a crop and livestock producer from Rock Rapids, Iowa, is the new USMEF chair. Meyer and his three sons...
NCGA Chairman reflects on this year?s ethanol victories
This year saw several victories for the ethanol industry- there was a summertime extension for E15, and the Next Generation Fuels Act was introduced in the Senate. National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Chairman Chris Edgington said a victory for the ethanol...
RCIS will jump into action for catastrophic events
Often when we have events like the August 2020 Derecho, hailstorms, or any other catastrophic event, we are at our worst. Because of that, we want our insurance to be at its best. RCIS has been working to provide protection for farmers and ranchers across the country,...
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USDA partnership to reduce anticompetitive barriers
USDA launched a partnership with bipartisan attorneys general in 31 states and the District of Columbia to enhance competition and protect consumers in food and agricultural markets. Through the agreement, this partnership will assist the state attorneys general in...
Rain and cooler weather finally made its way to Iowa
After one of the driest Mays on record and a dry end to June, July has finally brought some relieving rains to the state of Iowa. There was also some storm damage that came along with it, but the moisture was very much appreciated. However, Iowa State Climatologist...
Dry weather & the dollar top market concerns in 23
If nothing else, we can all agree that the markets are fickle. They move wherever the winds of change blow them. Sometimes it doesn?t even need a wind, a breeze will be just as volatile. Whether it is input costs, weather, geopolitical conflicts, or even government...
Hinson continues to advocate for all-of-the-above energy strategy
Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final rule setting biofuel blending levels under the Renewable Fuel Standard. This step backwards ignores the clear benefits of Iowa biofuels and upheaves the significant progress made by the biofuels...
Drought pressure tops growing season?s challenges, survey shows
In a recent survey conducted by Brevant seeds, 73% of the 284 U.S. ag retail respondents ranked drought toughness as the number one crop challenge this season. With drought plaguing many areas, retailers are on high alert to help their farmer customers overcome...
