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USDA cattle numbers show ongoing herd decline
The USDA released its latest Cattle Inventory Report last Friday, just ahead of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Nashville. While the overall change in cattle numbers was modest, the data continues to reinforce a long running trend of tightening supplies across the U.S. beef industry. As of January 1, 2026, the total U.S. cattle and calf inventory stood at 86.2 million head, down slightly from a year ago. The report keeps the industry on a familiar trajectory, as...
Sign-ups still open for PFI’s N Rate Risk Protection Program
Farmers are always looking for ways to increase their sustainability while also improving their ROI, but sometimes that comes with an unavoidable amount of risk. Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) is offering its N Rate Risk Protection Program to help encourage farmers...
Iowa hit record E15 sales in 2023
JOHNSTON, IA – The Retailers Motor Fuel Gallons Annual Report, just released by the Iowa Department of Revenue, found E15 sales increased 47 percent year-on-year to a record 178 million gallons. The report also found a record 68 million gallons of biodiesel was...
February was another strong month for pork and beef exports
U.S. pork exports posted another excellent performance in February, which was fueled by growth in the Western Hemisphere, South Korea, and Australia. February pork exports increased 14% from a year ago to more than 250,000 metric tons (mt), while value jumped 15% to...
Biosecurity is paramount with dairy herds in wake of HPAI crossover
There have been concerns raised since we learned that High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) crossed the species barrier to Dairy herds in different parts of the country, mainly in the plains. Producers are concerned about the safety of their herd and making sure that...
Deadline quickly approaching for rural nurse scholarship program
This year, the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses is recognizing April 7-13 as Occupational Health Nurses Week, and AgriSafe Network is celebrating by offering 125 continuing nursing education scholarships for the 2024 Nurse Scholar program. The...
Fuel and power prices climbing again
At a time of declining farm income, fuel and electricity costs are climbing once again. Unleaded gasoline averaged $3.54 a gallon nationally last week, that is up 14 percent from the start of the year. The national diesel price averaged $4. As planting season...
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Creative dishes at 2024 Food Bank of Iowa casserole contest
On the last day of the Iowa State Fair, the Food Bank of Iowa held its fourth annual “Chopped” casserole competition, sponsored by Nationwide. This year’s winner was Susan Jones of Winterset, who took top honors with her “BBQ Meatloaf, Mac, Cheese, and Corn Casserole”...
Strong potential for U.S. pork in Indonesia
With support from the National Pork Board, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair Randy Spronk recently traveled to Indonesia to see the market potential firsthand. While Indonesia is a majority Muslim country, Spronk said there is strong potential for U.S. pork...
USDA August outlook for meat production, prices, and trade
Small month over month adjustments were recorded in USDA’s August meat production and prices forecast for this year. USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says that there were insignificant adjustments made to the USDA’s August outlook for meat...
Secretary Naig announces another record year for conservation in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, working with Iowa’s 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts and farmers and landowners, again shattered a record for conservation and water quality...
CBO Rates the House version of the Farm Bill
No major piece of legislation gets approved without the blessing of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This nonpartisan office rates the financial impact of legislation over the next decade and its true cost. This is important as there are multiple versions of the...
